Customer Services
Adaptations FAQs
What are adaptations?
Adaptations are alterations to your home to help you to overcome or manage any disability so you can continue to live comfortably in your present home.
Do I have to be registered as Disabled to have adaptations provided?
No, but you or a member of your household must have a disability that is serious and permanent to be eligible.
Can I decide what adaptations I need?
You will need to have an assessment by an Occupational Therapist [an OT]. They will assess you and your home and decide what you need in consultation with you. You will need to discuss any preferences with them. We can sometimes accommodate colour choices.
Am I entitled to use the Adaptations Service?
If you rent your home from us, you are entitled and can ask us to help. If you are a leaseholder or a shared owner, then you will need to apply to your Local Authority. We can help you with their contact details.
Will I have to pay anything?
For more modest adaptations, Circle 33 will pay for everything up to a present limit of £4,000.
What happens if it will cost more than £4,000?
If the adaptation costs more than the upper limit outlined in our policy, which can change from year to year, we will need to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from your Local Authority for the balance.
How long does it take to get a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)?
It varies depending on your Local Authority. The quickest will decide within about 3 or 4 months and the slowest can take more than a year. Circle 33 will do everything possible to assist in achieving a speedy response from the Local Authority, but it is up to the Local Authority as to how long grant applications take.
How long will I have to wait for an adaptation to be fitted?
From the time when we receive an Occupational Therapist report we aim to supply and fit adaptations within 4 weeks for minor adaptations and within 3 months for major adaptations.
What is a minor adaptation?
These a relatively small changes to you home such as; additional handrails and grab handles, replacing steps with a ramp, door entry systems, simple stair lifts.
What sort of things are major adaptations?
These are relatively large changes to your home, such as creating a level access shower, through-floor lift, a full wheelchair adapted kitchen, ceiling hoist.
Can I have a mobility scooter?
We do not provide mobility scooters, nor stores for them.
Can I have double glazing or new central heating system?
Not as an adaptation. We have planned programmes to update all our properties on an area by area basis. We can however make changes to your existing heating or hot water installations to prevent scalding.
Can I have sound insulation?
Usually no. Our homes all meet the Building Regulations which applied at the time they were built/provided. If you are facing serious problems with noise contact your Customer Service Manager through the Customer Contact Centre.
NHF Benefit changes leaflet 
