Types of adaptations

Adaptations are intended to support the disabled person in their home by: 

  • improving access to and from their home
  • making their home safe for everyone who lives there
  • improving access to a room used or usable as the main family room
  • improving access to a room used for sleeping or providing a room for sleeping
  • improving access to a room where there is a toilet or providing a room where toilet facilities can be used
  • improving access to a room where there is a bath, shower (or both), or providing a room where such facilities can be used
  • improving access to a room where there is a wash basin or providing a room where a basin can be used 
  • facilitating the preparation and cooking of food by the disabled person
  • improving a heating system or replacing an unsuitable heating system to meet the needs of the disabled person
  • improving access to, or control of, a source of power, light or heat to meet the needs of the disabled person
  • improving access and movement by the disabled person around the home to care for a person who is normally a resident and is in need of care
  • improving access to and from a garden or making access to a garden safe

Permitted adaptations can be read in full in section 23(1) of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. 

Although not a complete list, the types of adaptations the grant can be used for are:

  • installations of stairlifts
  • access ramp
  • installation of a level access shower
  • widening doorways
  • repositioning of light switches

We want the adaptations to improve your welfare. We will work with an occupational therapist who will assess what adaptations are necessary and appropriate for your home.

Adaptations can incur additional fees. The grant can also be used to help with these fees. The following list details some of the fees which may be eligible for inclusion:

  • confirmation of property ownership
  • building surveys 
  • preparing drawings and specifications
  • help to complete forms 
  • planning and building regulations applications 
  • obtaining estimates 
  • supervision of works 
  • connecting services 
  • costs of construction works