Fife Council's Scheme Of Assistance GrantWhat is it?
Scheme of Assistance is a document that the Scottish Government requires all Local Authorities to produce. It sets out how they will provide housing improvement information, advice and assistance to those living in private housing.

Who is it for?
If you need equipment or an adaptation to your home to assist you to live at home independently then Fife Council may be able to help you.

Whether you rent your home from Fife Council or a Housing Association, own your own home or rent privately, there may be assistance for you towards the cost of the work to adapt your home. The one route to assistance is via a Social Work Occupational Therapy Assessment of Need which is done at a home visit to suit you.

Eligibility
Applications for major adaptation grants are invited for work that is essential to meet eligible assessed needs. Both private tenants and home owners are entitled to receive a grant for necessary major adaptation.

Definition of Major Adaptations
A major adaptation is a permanent change to your home that involves building work, such as:
 - Replacing the bath with a walk-in shower
 - Constructing a ramp to help you get into your home
 - Fitting lower work surfaces to make the kitchen easier to use
(This list is not exhaustive)

Discretionary grants can be available for structural or permanent changes to extend the structure or convert living spaces. Discretionary grants is provided at the discretion of the Council and is not controlled under housing law.

I rent my property from Fife Council or a Housing Association, who should I contact?
If you rent from the Fife Council or a Housing Association you need to speak to them in the first instance about what you need and they will let you know whether they will arrange the assessment or whether you should do this yourself.

If you rent from the Fife Council or a Housing Association the cost of the work will be covered by your provider.

I own my own property or rent from a private landlord, who should I contact?
If you own your own home or rent privately then there is a Scheme of Assistance Grant that may help you. Disabled Persons Housing Service (Fife) can assist you if you rent privately and you'd like to speak to your landlord about your needs. DPHS(F) can also assist private landlords who have adapted or accessible properties - we can highlight these properties to people who may wish to rent them. DPHS(F) can be contacted on 01592 223905.

How much of a grant will I receive?
Where the Council awards a mandatory grant, it must cover 80% of the cost of the work you are assessed as needing. The grant must cover 100% of the cost if you are in receipt of the following welfare benefits:
 - Income Support
 - Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
 - Guaranteed Pension Credit
 - Income Related Employment and Support Allowance