Having accessible bathrooms can make a big difference for people with mobility needs. It helps individuals live more comfortably and safely in their own homes. However, making these changes can be expensive. Fortunately, there are grants and funding options available across the UK to help cover the cost. In this article, we’ll look at the main types of support available and how to apply for them.
What Are Disabled Facilities Grants?
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) are one of the main sources of funding for accessible bathrooms in the UK. Local councils provide these grants to help pay for home changes that make daily life easier for disabled people.
This can include things like:
- Walk-in showers and walk-in baths
- Level-access wet rooms
- Grab rails and support bars
- Non-slip flooring
- Accessible toilets and lowered basins
- Widened doorways for mobility aids
Who Can Apply For A DFG?
You can apply for a DFG if you are a homeowner, a tenant, or a landlord applying on behalf of a disabled person living in the property. The key requirement is that the person who needs the changes must live in the home as their main residence, and the changes must be considered necessary and reasonable.
How To Apply For A Disabled Facilities Grant
- Contact your local council – ask to speak to the team responsible for housing adaptations.
- The council will usually arrange for an occupational therapist to assess your home and recommend suitable changes.
- If approved, the council will confirm how much they will contribute towards the work.
- You can then choose a trusted installer like AHM Installations to carry out the work professionally.
- Top tip: Apply early. The process can take several weeks or months, especially if demand in your area is high.
How Much Funding Can You Get?
The amount you can get from a DFG depends on where you live in the UK:
- England: Up to £30,000
- Wales: Up to £36,000
- Northern Ireland: Up to £25,000
Grants are means-tested for adults, which means the council may assess your income and savings to decide how much you’ll need to contribute. However, children under 18 are not subject to means-testing, so families may receive full funding.
Other Council Support
Some councils offer extra help for smaller jobs. These might include:
- Fitting grab rails
- Installing a raised toilet seat
- Changing taps to ones that are easier to use
These smaller grants may not require a full OT assessment and are worth exploring for minor improvements that support independent living. It’s worth checking with your local council to see what’s available in your area.
Using Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Although PIP doesn’t directly cover home changes, it still helps. Many people use the extra money from PIP to help cover the cost of bathroom changes or to top up funding if the grant doesn’t cover everything. PIP is available to people who have long-term health problems or disabilities that affect daily life.
Help From Charities & Support Groups
There are also several charities and organisations that may be able to help. Groups like:
- Age Uk
- Scope
- Turn2Us
- Independence At Home
Other local support organisations can sometimes offer extra funding, advice, or help with the application process. While the amounts they offer may be smaller, they can still make a big difference, especially when combined with a grant.
How AHM Installations Can Help
If you’re thinking about making your bathroom safer and easier to use, it’s important to get the right advice. That’s where we come in. At AHM Installations, we specialise in creating accessible bathrooms tailored to each person’s needs. Whether it’s a walk-in shower, a wet room, a raised toilet, or a full bathroom adaptation, we know what works and what funding options might be available to help.
Speak To The Experts At AHM
Finding your way through grants and funding can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Whether you’re exploring grants for bathrooms, need a walk-in bath for a disabled person, or want to know more about wet room funding, we’re here to help.
Contact us on 0800 731 6495 to book a free consultation, request a brochure, or chat about how we can support your journey to a safer, more comfortable home.
