Helping you stay independent at home

Aids and adaptations can make everyday living safer, easier and more comfortable for people with disabilities, long‑term health conditions or mobility needs. Whether you live in a council property, rent privately or own your home, support is available to help you access the changes you need.

We take a holistic approach to assessments. This means looking at the whole picture - your health, your daily routines, your home environment, your long‑term needs and the outcomes that matter most to you, rather than focusing on a single piece of equipment or one room in the home.

What are aids and adaptations

Aids and adaptations are changes to your home that help you live independently.

They fall into two main categories.

Minor adaptations

Small, low‑cost changes such as:

• grab rails and handrails
• lever taps
• additional stair rails
• small access improvements

Major adaptations

Larger structural changes such as:

• level‑access showers or wet rooms
• ramps and step‑free access
• stairlifts or through‑floor lifts
• step lifts
• widened doorways
• kitchen alterations for specific needs

Children’s adaptations

All requests for children’s adaptations are handled directly by Surrey County Council, regardless of whether you live in a council property, rent privately or own your home.

Their specialist children’s occupational therapy team will:

• carry out a holistic assessment of your child’s needs
• consider safety, independence, development and long‑term outcomes
• recommend suitable aids or adaptations
• advise on funding routes, including disabled facilities grants (which are not means tested for children)
• sign post to other childrens services

If you need support making a referral, we can help signpost you to the right team.

Support for council tenants

Who can apply

Any council tenant with a permanent disability, mobility difficulty or long‑term health condition can request adaptations. You do not need to be formally registered as disabled.

If you currently have rent arrears, you should still apply. Each request is considered individually.

How we assess your needs

We use a holistic assessment approach, which considers:

• your daily activities and routines
• your physical and emotional wellbeing
• how your home layout supports or limits your independence
• long‑term needs and future planning
• safety, accessibility and comfort

How to apply

• Submit an online request for aids and adaptations.
• A housing officer will contact you to discuss your needs
• Assessment:
  • minor adaptations are assessed directly by the council
  • major adaptations require an assessment by a Surrey County Council occupational therapist (OT) or trusted assessor
• Approval and installation:
  • minor works are usually completed within 30 days
  • major works are reviewed for suitability, cost and structural feasibility

Who pays

The council will fund approved adaptations for its tenants. Should you decide to purchase your council property under the right to buy scheme after your home has been adapted, you may need to pay.

If your home is not suitable

If major adaptations are not feasible, the council will discuss alternative housing options that better meet your needs.

Making changes yourself

You must ask for permission before making any changes to your home.

Request a tenant alteration

Adaptations we cannot carry out

Some requests cannot be approved.

These include:

• building a mobility scooter store room
• adaptations intended for friends or visitors

We may also refuse adaptations if:

• a more suitable property is available
• you have applied to buy your home under the Right to Buy scheme

How to make a request

Before you apply, you may want to read our frequently asked questions for more information.

Request aids and adaptations

Support for private households

This includes private tenants, housing association tenants and homeowners.

How support works

Most major adaptations for private households are funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), administered by your local authority.

Eligibility

You may qualify if:

• you or someone in your household has a permanent disability or long‑term health condition
• an occupational therapist (OT) confirms that the adaptation is necessary and appropriate
• the work is reasonable and feasible within the property

Adults are usually means tested for DFGs. Children’s adaptations are not means tested.

How to apply

1. Complete the online referral form. Your case will be reviewed and allocated to an OT.
2. The OT will visit your home and carry out a holistic assessment of your needs and environment.
3. You submit a DFG application.
4. The council reviews the application and confirms funding.
5. Approved works are arranged and carried out by qualified contractors.

Private tenants

You will need your landlord’s permission for major adaptations. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse requests supported by an OT assessment.

Comparing support routes

What to expect from a holistic occupational therapy (OT) assessment

An assessment will:

• consider your physical, cognitive and emotional needs
• look at how your home environment supports or restricts your independence
• discuss your daily routines and goals
• explore long‑term solutions, not just immediate fixes
• recommend adaptations that promote safety, independence and wellbeing

This approach ensures that adaptations are meaningful, sustainable and tailored to your life.

Apply for an occupational therapy assessment

Frequently asked questions

Contact information

If you’ve any questions or need help getting started, you can contact us or speak to Surrey County Council Adult Social Care, their Children with disabilities team or the Surrey wheelchair service.

Request aids and adaptations