[1] A means-test, similar to that for Income Support is applied unless the application is made for the benefit of a child or a young person under the age of 19.
These grants reduce hospital admissions and delay the need to move into costly residential care.
People who went into residential care, and had previously received a grant on average moved just before their 80th birthday and stayed there 2 years.
[3] There is a government mandated timescale of 18 months for approval and completion of work but delays and backlogs are widespread.
In most areas home improvement agencies (HIAs) help people to apply for a DFG by working with occupational therapists to design the adaptations and then arranging for contractors to carry out the works – taking the stress out of the process and assuring a fit for purpose solution.