Home Improvement Grants
Essential Works Grant -
In October 2003 a new grant replaced the old Renovation Grant. This grant is the Essential Works Grant and it will be aimed at bringing homes up to the Government's Decent Homes Standard. The grant is mainly targeted at vulnerable households who live in Council Tax Band A properties that are in disrepair. Priority is given to households in those wards with the highest levels of deprivation.
The grant is means tested and discretionary and residents may have to make a contribution towards the cost of the work. The means test determines any contribution you may have towards the cost of the work and the amount of grant received will be the difference between the amount the resident is assessed as being able to afford and the total cost of the eligible works.
Disabled Facilities Grant
- Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) are available to enable a person with a disability to live more independently in their own home. Like the Essential Works Grant the DFG is means tested.
The nature of the required works can determine whether any grant is offered and is subject to an assessment by a medical professional, usually an Occupational Therapist. Such things as stairlifts, level access showers and ramps are often fitted with assistance from a DFG.
Help from the Benefits Agency -
Many older people receive Income Support and for those in receipt of Income Support they may be eligible for a Community Care Grant for items to enable residents to remain independent. These grants are discretionary and the budget for such grants is limited.
Alternatively, a Budgeting Loan may be offered by the Department of Work and Pensions, which is interest free and has to be repaid, for important items applicants cannot afford. All applications will be assessed by a Social Fund Officer with consideration given to all the applicant's circumstances to enable a decision to be given.
Energy Efficiency Grants - Warm Front Ltd -
if a resident is receiving an income or disability related benefit whether they are young or old, own their own home or rent it, they may qualify to have their home insulated free. They may also qualify for heating improvements to their home and if they are over 60 they could even get central heating installed at no cost. The Warm Front team is a Government funded initiative and is managed by Powergen Retail Ltd in counties throughout eastern England.
Energy Efficiency Grants - Staywarm -
Designed for the over 60's. However much electricity or gas is needed, residents pay a fixed low price either weekly, fortnightly or monthly and they can choose to pay by direct debit or by cash/cheque at the Post Office. The amount they pay is based on the number of people in their home and the number of bedrooms it has.
