By the Home Lift Hub UK – Independent Advice, Reviews & Costs Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Disabled Facilities Grant for a Home Lift UK – How to Apply and What You Can Get

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can cover much of the cost of installing a home lift, stairlift, or platform lift if you're struggling with mobility. It's often the most affordable route to funding, though the process requires an assessment and means test. This guide walks you through what to expect.

What is a Disabled Facilities Grant?

The DFG is a government scheme run by local councils in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It's designed to help disabled people and their families adapt their homes to maintain independence and safety. A home lift or stairlift is one of the most common adaptations funded under the scheme.

In England, grants can go up to £30,000 per property (or £36,000 if you're under 19). Wales and Scotland have different limits—typically £30,000 in Wales, and means-tested grants in Scotland. Northern Ireland operates a separate scheme with different thresholds.

The grant is not a loan: you don't repay it. However, councils may place a charge (or "equity release") on your property in some cases, recouping costs if you sell.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for a DFG, you must:

• Be a disabled person (including children and young adults with disabilities)
• Be the owner or tenant of the property you want to adapt
• Live in the UK
• Be assessed as needing the adaptation to improve your quality of life, safety, or independence

The disabled person doesn't have to be the one applying—a family member, carer, or social worker can apply on their behalf. Some councils also accept applications from landlords (for tenant properties), though eligibility and funding rules differ.

The Means Test: Who Pays and How Much

This is where many people are surprised. DFGs are means-tested for adults (over 18/19, depending on your nation). Your income, savings, and capital are assessed to determine whether the council expects you to contribute towards the cost.

In England: The first £6,000 in savings or capital is disregarded. Above that, the council assesses your ability to pay. If you're above a certain income threshold, they'll ask you to contribute. Some councils waive contributions for pensioners or those on certain benefits.

Passporting benefits: If you or your family claim income-related benefits (like Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit), you may automatically qualify without a means test, or with a waived contribution.

The means test is usually the most frustrating part because timescales can stretch—councils need several weeks to gather financial information and process your case.

Getting an Occupational Therapist Assessment

Before your application is formally considered, the council must arrange an assessment by an Occupational Therapist (OT). This is free and is a crucial step.

The OT will visit your home and assess:

• Your mobility and how you currently navigate the building
• Whether a lift is the most appropriate solution (sometimes a stairlift, ramp, or bathroom adaptation is more suitable)
• The type and specification of lift needed
• Safety and building regulations compliance
• Whether any structural changes are required first

The OT produces a report with recommendations. This becomes part of your application. It's worth being clear with the OT about your daily struggles and safety concerns—their assessment directly influences what the council will fund.

Wait times for OT assessment vary widely by council area: some complete it in 4 weeks, others in 12 weeks or more.

The Application Process: Step by Step

1. Contact your local council's occupational therapy team. Ask for a Disabled Facilities Grant application pack and request an OT assessment. Your GP, social worker, or occupational health team can also refer you.

1. Attend the OT assessment at your home. Discuss your needs honestly and let them observe how you currently manage stairs or mobility.

1. Submit your application once the OT report is ready. You'll need to provide:

- Proof of identity and residency - Financial details (wage slips, benefit statements, bank statements, proof of savings) - Evidence of home ownership or tenancy - The OT's assessment report - Quotes from at least one surveyor or lift installer

1. Council reviews your means test. They'll work out whether you need to contribute and how much the council will fund.

1. Approval and specification. Once approved, the council confirms the grant award. You then proceed to ordering and installing the lift with an approved contractor (some councils maintain approved supplier lists).

Funding Limits and What's Covered

In England, grants can cover:

• The full cost of the lift (up to £30,000)
• Installation and any associated building works (structural reinforcement, electrical work, etc.)
• Safety features and handrails
• Decoration or redecoration after installation

What's typically not covered:

• Routine maintenance contracts
• Replacement of other adaptations if you're at the grant cap
• Costs above the council's approved specification

If your lift costs more than the grant (common for home elevators), you pay the difference yourself.

How Long Does It Take?

Expect the full process to take 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer in busy council areas. A realistic breakdown:

• OT assessment referral to visit: 2–8 weeks
• Assessment itself: 1 week
• Means test review: 2–6 weeks
• Council approval decision: 2–4 weeks
• Installation: 4–12 weeks (depending on the lift type and any building work needed)

Next Steps

Once your DFG is approved and your lift is installed, you own it outright. You're responsible for maintenance and servicing contracts (typically £150–400 per year).

If you don't qualify for a full grant—or want to explore faster options—cost-comparison sites and specialist home lift companies can advise on private funding or hybrid approaches where you top up the grant yourself.

The DFG process is thorough because councils need to ensure funds deliver genuine benefit and safety. It's worth the wait for most people, but patience is essential.