Many people with disabilities prefer to remain as independent as possible in their own homes. One of the key aspects of this may involve safely navigating the different floors within a house, to access a bathroom or bedroom. For those who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, adaptations or alterations will have to be made.

It may be possible to obtain a grant to cover some or all of the fees from your local authority, if you live in England or Wales. This is known as a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). The capped amount you can receive in England is £30,000. Here’s a guide to the application process.

The grant is means tested, so the amount you are eligible for will be affected by your income and savings of over £6,000. Anyone with a permanent disability, whether physical or mental, can apply to fund changes to their home, such as home lifts, wetrooms, ramps, widening of doorways, and so on.

The first step is to contact your local council for an assessment, because each area has slightly different rules. They will arrange for an assessment to be made, and will decide if the work is necessary, appropriate to meet your needs, and can be physically carried out without compromising the structural integrity of the property.

If the council approves the work, it will normally ask for two estimates for the cost. You will have to fill out an application form, and submit documentation to prove you are the owner or tenant of the property. The next step is to apply for planning permission.

You must wait for approval before any work starts, or this could invalidate your claim. The council may either pay the contractor directly for the work, or issue you with a cheque, or instalments to pay the contractor yourself.