Frequently Asked Questions
Grants for the Disabled

First decide what you are looking for and go to the relevant section on the Disability Grants website.

Select the "Find Your Grant" option in the site navigation.

Select one of the 13 different sections.

You may need to cross reference the different sections.

Each charity is different. Some use their own application form while others prefer a written application. Charities with a website may have an online form or a downloadable application form.

Look at:

Grants for Disabled Children

About Grants - Adults

Charities are able to help individuals and families on low income with essential household items.  This includes furniture, bedding and white goods such as washing machines and cookers.

Look at:  

Grants for Household Items

Secondhand Furniture and Household Items

For one to one support on completing benefit forms including Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) contact a local support agency such as:

• Citizens Advice
• A Carers Group
• Advice agencies

There is a page specifically for Autism but most children's charities fund "disability" in general.

Read through the Children's section to find out the type of items , activities and services charities will fund.

Look at:

Grants for Children

Grants for Autism

Most of the charities in the Adults section provide grants for "disability" in general rather than specific conditions.

Read through the charity entries to see if you meet the grant criteria of any of the charities listed.

Look at:

Grants for Disabled Adults

Initially you will need a referral to your local wheelchair centre for an assessment of your needs through your GP, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.

The Wheelchair Centre will assess your mobility needs and if you need a wheelchair it will issue you with an NHS wheelchair or provide a voucher for a private or charity purchase.

Charities will only provide funding for wheelchairs not funded through the NHS or Social Services.

Look at:

Grants for Wheelchairs - Step One

Grants for Wheelchairs - Step Two

In the first instance you will need to contact a local Occupational Therapist (OT) (through Social Services) to assess you or your child's needs.  

The OT will make their recommendations and advise on the Disabled Facilities Grant if applicable.

Some items under £1,000 may be provided through the Social Services budget.

The Grant is not means tested for children (under 18 years).

Look at:

Disabled Facilities Grant

Individuals receiving Higher Rate Mobility of the Disabled Living Allowance or Personal Independent Payment may be able to obtain funding through Motability.

Carers may also be able to obtain funding through their local carers group or through a Carers Assessment.

Look at:

Funding for Driving Lessons

Absolutely!  

Also ask Social Services for a Carers Assessment as you have a right to have your needs assessed - this includes your need for a break or respite from the person you are caring for.

Your local Carers or Parent/Carer group may be able to help too.

Look at:  

Holiday Grants for Carers

Support and Information for Carers

Free nappies or pads may be available from your local continence service. They are not available until your child reaches a certain age - the age varies around the country.

Your child will need a referral to the continence service from your Health Visitor or GP.

There is a separate continence service for adults providing free pads.

Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In England they are only free to disabled people with a listed medical condition - this includes cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and a continuing physical disability that requires support of another person outside the home.

Free prescriptions are also available for young people (under 19 years) in full time education, over 60's, and individuals on low income named on a NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate.