Financial assistance up to £30,000 is available to provide aids and adaptations, so that people who need help to gain better access to, or within their home, can maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Items which can be included are stairlifts; level access showers; ramps; ground floor extensions for bedrooms / en-suite shower rooms etc.

Means testing applies in certain cases, but this excludes aids and adaptations for children and those receiving:

Income Support
Guaranteed Pension Credit
Income based Jobseekers Allowance
Employment Support Allowance (Income Based)
Housing Benefit
Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit (Household Income Below £15,050)
Elements of Universal Credit

Referrals for Disabled Facility Grants (DFG) usually come through Adult Social Care (ASC) contact 0300 3033 249, however in the event that you do not qualify for assistance from ASC, the City Council may still be able to assist you.

All of our Disabled Facility and Discretionary grants are run through a managed technical service. This allows the Council to assist you with your application form, and support the household through to the completion of the works.

Independent Living Grants are also available for stairlifts, level access facilities, ramps or any other works to enable people to stay safe in their homes. These grants are available for those that would not qualify for traditional DFG, either the works are not eligible or the contribution on the means test would exceed the cost of the works or be unaffordable. There are various ways you can qualify for assistance through an Independent Living Grant. The grant maximum is £10,000.

For further information on the grants available contact 01228 817200 or e-mail EnvironmentalHealth@carlisle.gov.u

All of the grants available will not be paid retrospectively and a grant approval must be in writing from the City Council before any works commence.