How to get up to £30,000 to adapt your rented home if you are disabled
Key points
- You can get up to £30,000 as a private renter to pay for disability adaptations — you do not have to own your home.
- The grant does not affect your Universal Credit, PIP, or any other benefits you receive.
- Apply through your local council — they usually arrange a free home visit from an occupational therapist to assess what you need.
If you or someone in your household is disabled, you may be able to get a grant worth up to £30,000 to make your home more accessible — even if you rent privately.
The grant is called the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). Your local council manages it, and the money comes from central government. Private renters, housing association tenants, and council tenants can all apply.
What the money can pay for
The grant covers the cost of adaptations that help you live safely and independently at home. Examples include:
- widening a door or fitting a ramp so a wheelchair can pass
- installing grab rails, handrails, or a stair lift
- putting in a level access shower or a wet room
- adapting heating or electrical systems for easier use
- building an extension to add a ground-floor bedroom or bathroom
- fitting a hearing loop or other communication aid
Your council decides which works are "necessary and appropriate" for your situation. An occupational therapist usually visits your home first to write a report on what you need.
Who can apply
You can apply if you — or a disabled person who lives with you — needs adaptations to manage day-to-day life at home. There is no lower age limit for the grant.
If you rent privately, you will need your landlord's written permission before work begins. Your council can help you put this request to your landlord. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 ended no-fault evictions in England, so you can ask for what you need with more confidence.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →How much you can get
The maximum grant in England is £30,000.
If the disabled person is under 18, the grant covers the full cost of eligible works up to that limit, with no means test.
If you are 18 or over, the council runs a means test based on your income and savings. If you are on a low income or receive a disability benefit, you may qualify for the full amount. The grant does not affect Universal Credit, PIP, or any other benefits you get.
How to apply
Contact your local council's housing team and ask about the Disabled Facilities Grant. They will usually arrange a free home visit from an occupational therapist.
After the assessment, the council decides how much to award. Once you get a decision, you can arrange for the works to be done. The council may be able to help you find a builder.
If you are not sure where to start, or if your landlord says no, Citizens Advice can explain your options and help you take the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What if my landlord says no to the adaptations?
Your landlord must agree in writing before the works can start — if they refuse, Citizens Advice can explain your options and what steps you can take.
Does this grant apply if I live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each run their own separate adaptation schemes — contact your local council or housing association to find out what help is available near you.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants