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North West · England

Disabled Facilities Grant
Cheshire West and Chester Council

Cheshire West and Chester Council administers the Disabled Facilities Grant for residents who need home adaptations to live safely and independently. The maximum grant available is £30,000. The grant is means-tested and mandatory — if you meet the criteria, the council must award it.

£30,000
Maximum grant
13mo
Typical wait
Yes
Means tested
None
Council top-up

Find DFG-eligible specialists

These categories are commonly funded through Disabled Facilities Grants. Getting quotes before applying can speed up your council application.

Stairlift Installers →Walk-in Baths →Grab Rails →Wheelchair Ramps →Bathroom Adaptations →Home Lifts →

Find DFG-eligible specialists

These categories are commonly funded through Disabled Facilities Grants.

Stairlift Installers →Walk-in Baths →Grab Rails →Wheelchair Ramps →Bathroom Adaptations →Home Lifts →

Find DFG-funded specialists

These services are most commonly funded through Disabled Facilities Grants. Getting quotes before applying helps speed up your council application.

🪜
Stairlift Installers
Most commonly funded DFG adaptation
🛁
Walk-in Bath Fitters
Bathroom adaptations for safe bathing
🔧
Grab Rail Fitters
Safety rails — lowest cost DFG item
♿
Wheelchair Ramp Fitters
Step-free access to your home
🏠
Home Lift Specialists
Through-floor lifts for full access
🚿
Bathroom Adaptation Specialists
Full wet room conversions
🧮
Estimate your stairlift cost before applying
Getting quotes before your DFG application can speed up council approval.
Cost calculator →

What the grant covers

✓
Stairlifts
Straight, curved and outdoor stairlifts to help you move between floors
✓
Level-access showers & wet rooms
Replacing a bath with an accessible shower
✓
Walk-in baths
Specialist baths with a door for easy entry and exit
✓
Grab rails & handrails
Safety rails in bathrooms, on stairs, and at entrances
✓
Wheelchair ramps
Permanent or modular ramps for step-free access
✓
Widened doorways
Making doorways wide enough for wheelchair access
✓
Specialist kitchen adaptations
Lowered worktops, pull-out shelves, lever taps
✓
Heating controls
Easier-to-use heating systems for people with limited dexterity

How to apply in Cheshire West and Chester Council

  1. 1
    Contact your council
    Get in touch with Cheshire West and Chester Council housing or adult social care team to start your application. Visit https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
  2. 2
    Occupational therapy assessment
    An occupational therapist will assess your needs and recommend adaptations. You can request this through your GP or council.
  3. 3
    Get quotes from installers
    Your council may have an approved list of contractors, or you can find your own. We recommend getting 2 to 3 quotes.
  4. 4
    Council decision
    The council must decide within 6 months of a valid application. If approved, work must be completed to a satisfactory standard.
  5. 5
    Work completed
    Once the work is done and inspected, the grant is paid directly to the contractor in most cases.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay anything back?

No. A DFG is a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid provided you remain in your home for at least 10 years. If you move within 10 years, the council may seek repayment of a portion.

Can tenants apply?

Yes. Both owner-occupiers and tenants (including housing association and private tenants) can apply. Your landlord will need to give permission for the adaptations.

How is the means test calculated?

The means test looks at your income and savings. If your household income is low, you will receive the full cost of adaptations up to the maximum. Higher incomes may require a contribution.

How long does the process take?

The council must make a decision within 6 months of receiving a valid application. In Cheshire, the typical wait is around 52 weeks from initial contact to completion.

What if the cost exceeds the maximum grant?

If your adaptations cost more than £30,000, you will need to fund the difference yourself or explore other funding. Some councils offer additional discretionary top-ups — ask when you apply.

Ready to get quotes?

Find verified specialists in your area who are experienced with DFG-funded installations.

Stairlift installersBathroom adaptationsGrab railsWheelchair ramps