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Adaptations for elderly and disabled people

The Accessible Homes Agency, a part of Calderdale Housing Services Department, assists with getting adaptations carried out for people with disabilities, to keep them independent at home, or assists people to find more accessible alternative housing.

The Agency also administers Disabled Facilities Grants, Minor Works Grants, Relocation Loans, Home Appreciation Loans and will assist with accessing other financial assistance.

Minor Works Grants are available for smaller adaptations to the home like lever taps, grab rails and handrails. In many cases they can be carried out free and quickly without waiting for an occupational therapy assessment or a means test. For more information see Minor Works Grant .

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) may be able to provide the finance for large adaptations to your home. This Grant is means tested and the works must first be recommended by an Occupational Therapist who will assess your needs. For more information see Disabled Facilities Grant .

To request an assessment of your needs from the Community Occupational Therapy Service, contact Gateway to Care.

There is also assistance available if you want to pay for the works yourself or if you feel that moving house might be a better option.

Paying for adaptations

There is help available to pay for many adaptations depending on the work needed and your circumstances. Most small adaptations are available free of charge if they are necessary for you to remain independent at home.

VAT and adaptations

Most adaptations are zero rated for VAT. This means that you may not have to pay VAT for all or some of the work to your house. Advice about this can be found on the Government website VAT Reliefs for Disabled People| or by asking the Accessible Homes Agency or your building contractor.

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