Overview
Home adaptations can help persons who are older or who are disabled to live independently in their own homes. This information guide describes the help available that may help to pay for significant changes to the structure of your home.
Housing adaptations can help you live safely and independently in your own home by:
- Reducing the risk of accidents at home.
- Reducing the need for home care or going into a care home.
Persons who are disabled may get help with a wide range of adaptations to their home. This includes, but not limited to:
- Replacing a bath with a level access shower.
- Making it easier to get into and out of the house by widening doors or making a ramp.
- Fitting lower worktops in a kitchen.
Home Owners
As a starting point, contact your local authority Social Services department and ask for an Assessment of Need.
An assessment of need is usually carried out by an Occupational Therapist (O.T.)
Local authorities will only offer financial help if the assessment confirms that the work/adaptations are essential.
The Scheme of Assistance allows local authorities broad discretionary powers to provide other assistance to home owners, which may be – advice and guidance, practical help, or financial assistance by way of grants or loans.
It is up to the local authority to determine what kinds of assistance are made available on the basis of local priorities and budgets.
Housing Association Tenants
Housing Associations will provide advice as to how to get a needs assessment.
They will also provide information and advice on what support is available.
Housing Associations can carry out work/adaptations to a home – if they feel the work is essential, and if there is funding available.
Sometimes it may not be possible to adapt a home to meet your needs. This may be because:
- There is not enough space to make the changes needed, or:
- The way the house is built makes it difficult or impossible to change.
The Housing Association may then suggest other solutions, such as moving to a different property.
Private tenants
If you are a private tenant you can:
- Contact your local authority for an assessment to see whether the changes needed to your home meet the conditions for essential work.
- You must ask for permission from your landlord.
- You should also say if you intend to put the property back to its original state when you leave.
- Your landlord must not ‘unreasonably refuse to give their consent’ (ie must not say no without very good reasons.)
- If your landlord does say no, they must tell you in writing why they have said no.
What if I want to do the adaptations myself?
- If you do not own your home, you will need to write to the council, housing association or private landlord to ask for permission first.
- Your landlord ‘cannot withhold their consent unreasonably’, but they can make certain conditions.
Some building work to a disabled person’s private home may also be VAT exempt. Call the VAT helpline for more information on 0300 200 3700 or contact us for a copy of our Claiming VAT exemption on disability products info guide.
Care and Repair
Care and Repair services operate throughout Scotland. They offer:
- Independent advice and assistance to help homeowners repair, improve or adapt their homes so that they can live in comfort and safety.
- The service is available to home-owners, private tenants and crofters who are aged over 60 or who have a disability.
- Some Care and Repair services also include home-owners of any age group with physical or mental disabilities, private rented sector and crofting tenants (particularly in the Highlands and Islands).
Contact Care and Repair services at http://www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk or by contacting your local council.
Scottish Welfare Fund
You may be able to get a Community Care Grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund if:
- You are moving out of a care home, hospital or similar place and need to make minor improvements to your home so you can live there independently, or
- You need to get your home adapted so you can stay there instead of moving into a care home.
- Usually you have to be on benefits before you can get a Community Care Grant but you may be considered if you are on a low income, whether you are working or not.
- To apply, contact your local council.
A list of telephone numbers and email addresses for each local council is available on the Scottish Government website at: https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund/
Advocacy support
If you feel that you might need some support to help you through the process, you can ask for the help of an advocate. Search for your local advocacy services at
http://www.siaa.org.uk or call 0131 556 6443.
Unhappy with the decision?
If you are not happy with the decision regarding your eligibility for a disabled home adaptation, you can complain to the council. To make a complaint, contact the person you last spoke to about it, or to the local authority’s Complaints Officer. Contact your local Social Work office for details.
How do I appeal?
If you think the Council or housing association has been unreasonable, you can
- Ask the Sheriff Court to look at their decision and order them to change it
- Seek advice immediately from your local citizens advice bureau or a solicitor as there are tight deadlines regarding appeals.
- Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service on 0808 800 0082
Information last updated on 5 June 2020. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Aids, Equipment & Adaptations:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I get an adaptation made to my house?
Housing adaptations can reduce the risk of accidents at home and promote independence.
If you are disabled, or someone in your home is disabled, you may get help with a wide range of adaptations to your home. Examples of adaptations include:
- Replacing a bath with a level access shower.
- Making it easier to get into and out of the house by widening doors or making a ramp.
- Fitting lower worktops in a kitchen.
Smaller adaptions can also be made, such as:
- Fitting a grab rail
- Provision of a shower chair
In most cases, as a starting point you should contact your local Social Work Department and ask for an Assessment of Needs, which is usually done by an Occupational Therapist (O.T.).
For further information see our Disabled Home Adaptations Information Guide.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed/ or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called ‘zero-rated’ or ‘eligible for VAT relief’.
The majority of suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT at the point of sale.
You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet these conditions. Your supplier may give you a form for this.
Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT relief for disabled people form.
For further information see our VAT Exemption for Disabled Goods Information Guide or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
I am going on holiday, how do I hire a mobility scooter or wheel chair when I am there?
If you are staying within the UK you can search for a Shop Mobility local to where you are going. Another option would be to search for local mobility equipment providers.
The Mobility Equipment Hire Direct is a one stop shop to hire a wide range of mobility equipment in a variety of destinations from anywhere in the world using your chosen currency and in your chosen language.
You can search for local providers and shop mobility using our Scottish Disability Directory or contact us and one of our information workers can help you search.
Helpline: 0300 323 9961
For further information on hiring equipment away from home check out our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
I’m struggling getting in and out of my bath, is there any support that I can get?
Often we get individuals phoning because they are struggling with getting in and out of their bath. The first step would be to contact your local social work department to arrange an Assessment of Needs. You might be eligible to get an adaptation, such as a walk in shower, made to your bathroom. For more information see our Assessment of Needs Information Guide.
Aids, Equipment & Adaptations:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
Organisation | Description |
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ABC Hearing | Services provided: Providing hearing consultations to people with hearing problems and the supply suitable hearing aids to those that need them. These service can be carried out at ABC premises, or at the client’s own home throughout Edinburgh, the Bor… |
Aberdeen City Council RADAR key provision | Local Authority providing RADAR keys |
Abilia Ltd | Produce communication aids for people with a sensory impairment |
Ability Lifts | Ability Lifts were formed in 2004 with the goal of providing access products for those with mobility impairments. |
Able Care Ltd – Aberdeen | Supply a range of daily living aids and also install stairlifts and other equipment |
Able Care Ltd – Inverness | Supply a range of daily living aids, stairlifts and carry out bathing installations |
Able Deen | Loan of mobility equipment, safe space, signposting |
Able2 Wear Ltd | Manufacture and supply clothes for wheelchair users |
Ableworld (West Lothian) | Stock a wide selection of quality mobility aids and homecare products |
Ableworld Paisley | Ableworld offers a wide range of mobility products to suit all needs |