Accessibility
Bathroom adaptation grants in Scotland: the Scheme of Assistance explained
In Scotland, help with the cost of adapting a bathroom for a disability comes through your council's Scheme of Assistance, not the English Disabled Facilities Grant. After an occupational therapist assessment, councils must give a grant of at least 80% of the eligible cost of essential adaptations, rising to 100% for people on certain benefits. This guide explains how to apply.
How much can the grant cover?
| Your situation | Minimum grant |
|---|---|
| Essential adaptation, assessed by an occupational therapist | 80% of the eligible cost |
| On a qualifying benefit, such as Income Support or guarantee Pension Credit | 100% of the eligible cost |
| Not legally entitled to 100% | The council can choose to pay more than 80% |
Councils set out their own Scheme of Assistance, so the benefit list and details can vary. Check your council's scheme.
How do you apply?
- Contact your council's social work or occupational therapy service and ask for an assessment.
- An occupational therapist (OT) assesses your needs and recommends the adaptations you need.
- If you are eligible, you apply for the grant, usually with quotes for the work.
- The council approves the grant. Wait for approval before any work starts.
- The work is carried out to the OT's recommendations, and the grant is paid.
What does it cover?
The grant covers essential adaptations, such as replacing a bath with a level-access shower or creating a wet room. Ongoing servicing of an adaptation or equipment is not covered. Smaller items, such as grab rails, may be handled differently, so ask your OT what applies to you.
Getting help with the process
Many councils have a Care and Repair service or a housing team that helps older and disabled homeowners with applications and finding contractors. Your council's website lists what is available locally.
How we help
We quote and fit to your occupational therapist's recommendations, and our written quote is ready to share with the council. See our accessible bathroom adaptations service, our wet room installation service, and our VAT relief guide.
Sources
- Citizens Advice Scotland: The scheme of assistance for house repairs and adaptations
- Housing (Scotland) Act 2006
Figures from other organisations are theirs, not our prices. Check each source for the latest version.
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Is there a Disabled Facilities Grant in Scotland?
No. The Disabled Facilities Grant applies in England. In Scotland, help with adaptations comes through your council's Scheme of Assistance, under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. After an occupational therapist assessment, councils must give at least 80% of the eligible cost of essential adaptations, and 100% to people on certain benefits. Contact your council's occupational therapy service to start an assessment.
Who gets a 100% grant for a bathroom adaptation?
People who receive certain benefits are entitled to a 100% grant for essential adaptations. Citizens Advice Scotland lists Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, the guarantee credit of Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit. Council schemes can differ slightly, so check your own council's scheme. Your council's housing or occupational therapy team can confirm whether you qualify before you apply.
Do I need an occupational therapist assessment?
Yes, for a grant. Councils use an occupational therapist assessment to decide whether an adaptation is essential and what it should include. Contact your council's social work or occupational therapy service to ask for one. If you are paying privately, you do not need one, but the OT's advice can still help you choose the right features. We quote and fit to the OT's report.
Can I start the work before the grant is approved?
You should not. The council usually needs to approve the grant before work starts, and work begun before approval may not be funded. Get your OT assessment, apply with your quotes, and wait for written approval. We can provide a fixed-price written quote that matches your OT's recommendations, ready to share with the council. Keep copies of every letter and quote.