How much will I get?
It depends on your finances and your circumstances. You may have to contribute your own money if the amount of DFG you are awarded doesn't cover the total cost of the equipment you need, so you'll have to think about how you will pay for this – it could be from your savings, or you may need to borrow money from elsewhere. You might also be eligible for a grant from a charity.
If you can't raise any additional money to pay the outstanding cost of essential equipment, we may be able to help you with a low cost loan or adaptations loan (if you're a homeowner). In most cases, DFGs awarded to disabled children under 19 years old will be funded up to the grant maximum of £30,000, so you won't need to pay anything from your own pocket.
Low cost loan
This is a loan of up to £5,000, repayable over a period of up to 60 months. You will be assessed to make sure you can afford the repayments. The loan charge is equivalent to 5% of the amount that is borrowed. There is also an administration fee (currently £100) to set up the loan. This fee goes towards the costs incurred by the council in providing the loan such as Land Registry and bankruptcy searches, obtaining proof of identity to satisfy money laundering regulations, registering the charge at the Land Registry and the loan agent fees.
Read our Low cost loans information sheet.
