Home improvements
If you are a homeowner or a private tenant, you may be able to claim help towards making repairs, improvements or adaptations to your home, and to help you keep your independence.
Disabled Facilities Grants could help pay for necessary changes to your home - such as stair lifts - so that you can continue to live independently. If you have a disability, you may be able to get a grant. Your council will base this on your circumstances. Your income and savings will affect the level of grant you could get.
Local authorities also have wide discretionary powers to provide help towards repairs, improvements and adaptations. This assistance may take the form of a grant, loan or releasing some of the value of your home, or more practical help such as information and advice on repairs.
Low-cost loans from the Home Improvement Trust may be available if you are living on a low income, or do not have savings or investments. Important: If you want a Disabled Facilities Grant or other help towards repairs or improvements from your local authority, you should contact them before you start any work.
For more information on Disabled Facilities Grants and other help that your local authority may provide for repairs, improvements and adaptations, please contact your local authority or your local Home Improvement Agency. You can find your local authority on the Directgov website.
If you are a homeowner or tenant of a private landlord, Home Improvement Agencies (sometimes known as 'Care and Repair' or 'Staying Put' agencies) will advise you on how to adapt, repair, improve and maintain your home. This includes a review of the housing options open to you, including whether you are entitled to any help, welfare benefits, technical matters and other support services that you may need to help you stay in your own home.
For details of your local Home Improvement Agency, please visit the Foundations website, or call Foundations on 01457 891 909 for England or Care and Repair Cymru on 029 2057 6286 for Wales. The lines are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information about low-cost loans for homeowners from the Home Improvement Trust, please visit their website, or call them on 0800 783 7569 for England and Wales. The line is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Did you know...?
People over 75 can apply for a free TV licence?
See our Travel and leisure section for more information.