Cumberland Council offers a range of housing grants to help disabled residents live independently and safely at home.
Eligible homeowners and tenants (including those in private or housing association properties) can apply for up to £30,000 to adapt their homes. These grants can cover:
- Improving access to rooms and facilities (e.g. stairlifts, level access showers, door widening)
- Adapting heating or lighting controls for easier use
- Providing a heating system suited to your needs
- Improving entrances and access to your garden
Funding options are available if essential work exceeds the £30,000 limit.
Referrals for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) usually come through the Adult Social Care Occupational Therapy Service. However, if you are not eligible or a DFG is not right for you, Cumberland Council may still be able to help through a range of discretionary grants.
The new Cumberland Home Improvement Agency will deliver both DFGs and discretionary grants, aiming to help you stay safe, warm, and independent at home for as long as possible. The range of discretionary grants is outlined in the Home Adaptations and Assistance Policy and will be phased in as the service is established.
Who can apply?
- Disabled people, their families, and carers
- Homeowners and tenants in private or housing association properties
How to apply:
- Referrals via Adult Social Care Occupational Therapy Service (call 0300 3033 249)
- Direct application for discretionary grants
Further information:
- Disabled Facilities Grants on GOV.UK
- Self assessment for home adaptation on the Adapt My Home website
Contact details for each area are listed below.
Allerdale area:
Email: housing.grants@cumberland.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3730
Copeland area:
Email grants@cumberland.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3730
Carlisle area:
Email: dfg@cumberland.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3730
Non-adaptations Grants.
Contact us for further information about other grants relating to:
* staying safe and warm at home
* changes needed to the home to help with hospital discharge or preventing admission
Email: Homelife@cumberland.gov.uk
Telephone: 01228 817 111