Adaptations for people with disabilities
8.1 Mandatory works
If it is difficult for you to get around your home because of mobility or health issues the Council may be able to help you. This might mean recommending a major change to your property such as changing the layout of your kitchen or bathroom or putting ramps inside or outside your home. Alternatively, this might mean getting a small piece of equipment to help you such as a bath or shower seat, or a personal alarm. are published on the Council website.
8.2 Financial assistance - Grants to help people with disabilities (mandatory works)
If you are an owner who is disabled or have a disabled member of your household, you may be entitled to grant aid to help pay for adaptations to your home, private tenants are also eligible for this grant.
A referral from an occupational therapist from Health and Social Care is required and they make recommendations for the work to be undertaken. Occupational therapists use a national eligibility criteria framework to carry out an assessment. If your needs are assessed as moderate or low and you do not meet the eligibility criteria for grant assistance, occupational therapists will provide support and advice on other options to help you maintain your independence. This includes suggesting other organisations that can offer help and advice.
To apply, please contact Social Care Direct who will arrange for an occupational therapist to visit you to assess your needs.
The specification for the work is provided by the occupational therapist. The Housing Adaptations team in the Council administers the grant and, in most cases, develops plans for the work to be carried out on the basis of the occupational therapist’s recommendations. You, as the owner, are responsible for appointing a contractor to carry out the work.
The mandatory grant is 80% of the approved expense. If you receive certain specified benefits, you may automatically be eligible for 100% grant for the approved expense. This is the full cost of the work required to meet the assessed need, except for the provision of additional living space, any extension other than a bathroom or wetroom.
The benefits which mean an applicant is eligible for 100% grant are:
- Income Support
- Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
Residents receiving Universal Credit will be assessed in regard to individual circumstances and benefits.
Under the terms of the 2006 Act the full cost of the work required to meet the assessed need can be grant funded.
While there is no specific monetary limit set, the Council will make a judgement as to the reasonable cost for the appropriate proportion of the work, for example, the work assessed as necessary and use that cost to calculate the grant offered.
8.3 Care and Repair
Care and Repair Edinburgh offer a range of practical services to help older and disabled people repair, improve or adapt their homes to help them remain in their own homes in comfort and independence for as long as possible. Services they provide include:
- installation of key safes
- handyperson
- small repairs
- trade referrals and signposting
Contact Care and Repair by phone 0131 337 1111 or email reception@cre.scot.