Free equipment and small adaptations

England: the £1,000 rule

The Care Act charging regulations say councils in England must provide "community equipment (aids and minor adaptations)" free of charge. An adaptation counts as minor "if the cost of making the adaptation is £1,000 or less".

The NHS puts it like this: "If the assessment finds you need a change to your home or a piece of equipment that costs less than £1,000, the council must provide it free of charge."

The NHS gives examples such as:

• grab rails for the bathroom
• perching stools in your kitchen or shower

The limit applies to each item or adaptation. The NHS says you "may be entitled to free home adaptations and equipment provided they cost less than £1,000 each".

How to ask

1. Contact adult social care at your local council and ask for a needs assessment. The NHS says "the needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one". You can call or apply online. You can also apply through GOV.UK (opens another website) (England and Wales).
2. If you may need changes to your home, you might also be referred for a separate home assessment. The NHS says "having a home assessment is free".
3. An occupational therapist will visit, ask questions and walk around with you to see what you find hard.

Read more: getting an occupational therapy assessment.

Wales

The Welsh Government's ENABLE scheme lists grab rails, stair rails, small ramps and accessible taps as "small" adaptations. Contact your council, or your landlord if you rent. We have not found an official Welsh rule that matches England's £1,000 rule, so ask your council what you would have to pay.

Northern Ireland

nidirect says minor adaptations, such as handrails, "may be available through your local Trust following assessment by an occupational therapist". If you rent from the Housing Executive or a housing association, some minor adaptations are available from your landlord without an assessment.

Scotland

The Scottish Government says smaller changes "such as fitting grab rails" are dealt with differently from grants for major adaptations. Ask your council's social work team.

Bigger changes

For larger work, such as a level-access shower or a wet room, see Disabled Facilities Grants or, in Scotland, help with adaptation costs in Scotland.

Questions people ask

Are grab rails free?

In England, aids and minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less must be provided free if a council assessment shows you need them — and the NHS gives grab rails for the bathroom as an example. In Wales, grab rails are a "small" adaptation under the ENABLE scheme. In Northern Ireland, handrails may come from your Health and Social Care Trust after an assessment. In Scotland, ask your council's social work team.

This guide is general information, not medical, financial or legal advice. Everyone’s needs are different. Speak to an occupational therapist, your GP or the organisations we link to before making decisions.