Who decides whether I am eligible for grant-aid?

Grant-aid is only available for certain works as recommended by an Occupational Therapist.

If you are in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Income Support. Guarantee Credit (This is a form of Pension Credit) or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance then grant-aid is likely to be available to fully fund the cost of the works.

Grant-aid is still available to those persons who do not receive one of the above benefits.  If you are not in receipt of one of those benefits then it will be necessary to carry out a test of your financial resources to determine whether grant-aid is likely to be available.  The test of financial resources would also indicate whether or not you would be likely to have to make a contribution towards the cost of the recommended works.

If you are a disabled Test Valley resident and you are experiencing difficulties in your home then grant-aid may be available to assist you to make your home more suitable for your needs.

Do you find that getting in and out of a bath is a problem?
Do you find climbing the stairs in the house is a problem?
If you are a wheelchair user, do you find getting in and out of the house a problem?

These are typical situations where Test Valley Borough Council has been able to assist residents in the past.

If you feel that your home could be adapted to make life easier for you then please read on.

Grants are available to assist home owners, private tenants and Housing Association tenants.

For further information please contact the:
Private Sector Housing team
Tel 01264 368000
Email envhealth@testvalley.gov.uk

The disabled person will need to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist (OT) to determine their needs and assess if any adaptations are necessary for your property.  Hampshire County Council have Occupational Therapists that can carry out this assessment.  You should contact OT Direct on 0300 555 1378.  Once the OT has carried out the assessment, if they think an adaptation is required they will make a referral to Test Valley Borough Council on your behalf.

If the required works are relatively small scale (eg. provision for a suitable handrail to assist client to climb steps at the front of the house) then that may be organised directly by Social Services.

Please note that if you are a Housing Association tenant, referrals may be made to your Housing Association in the first instance as they may be able to carry out the adaptation necessary.

Alternatively you can commission a private OT to carry out this assessment and send the report to Test Valley Borough Council.