Thousands of disabled people, including those with learning disabilities, are set to benefit from a £50 million increase in funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), aimed at helping more people live safely and independently in their own homes. The extra money will be shared out to local councils from February 2026.
Disabled Facilities Grants help cover the cost of adapting homes to meet individual needs. With the average award standing at around £10,000, the latest funding boost could support approximately 5,000 additional people. Adaptations can include stairlifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms and a wide range of assistive technologies, such as automated doors, ceiling hoists and smart lighting or heating systems.
The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group has welcomed the announcement, saying the investment will make a real difference to disabled people, carers and families. Its chief executive said having suitable, well-adapted housing is fundamental to enabling people to live independently and with dignity, and described the funding as a vital step towards improving quality of life.
The DFG remains the primary source of government support for home adaptations in England and is a means-tested, statutory grant. The current maximum award is £30,000, a limit that has faced criticism for not keeping pace with rising building costs. Responding to the funding increase, Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms said the move reflects a wider commitment to removing barriers for disabled people, from improving housing to expanding employment support, and ensuring greater inclusion across public services.
