Process map
The Disabled Facilities Grant journey, on one page
A plain-English overview of the seven main stages most people go through. Timings vary by council and by the type of work involved.
First enquiry
- Who
- You, a family member or a support worker
- What happens
- Contact your local council’s housing or adult social care team and explain the difficulty at home.
- Typical time
- Same day — a few weeks for a call back
Occupational therapist (OT) assessment
- Who
- Council-arranged OT
- What happens
- An OT visits the home, looks at the difficulties and recommends adaptations.
- Typical time
- Weeks to several months, depending on the council waiting list
Means test (financial assessment)
- Who
- Council finance team
- What happens
- For adults, the council checks income and savings to work out any contribution. Children under 19 are not means-tested.
- Typical time
- A few weeks once you return the forms
Permissions
- Who
- Landlord, freeholder or planning where needed
- What happens
- If you rent, you’ll need written landlord permission. Some works also need planning or building control approval.
- Typical time
- Variable — chase early
Quotes and design
- Who
- Council surveyor or approved contractors
- What happens
- Drawings are prepared and contractors quote for the work.
- Typical time
- Several weeks
Council decision
- Who
- Your local council
- What happens
- The council issues a formal grant decision in writing. By law, this should be within 6 months of a valid application.
- Typical time
- Up to 6 months from a valid application
Works on site
- Who
- Appointed contractor
- What happens
- The adaptation is built. The council inspects and signs it off.
- Typical time
- Days to several weeks, depending on the work
Disclaimer: DFG Helpline is an independent information point. We do not assess, approve or pay grants. Decisions, timings and the final outcome are the responsibility of your local council.