If you have a disability and find it difficult to use your home safely, you may be able to get adaptations to help you live more independently.
Who is eligible
You may be eligible if:
- you are an Oxford City Council tenant or a member of the household
- you have a disability
- your disability makes it difficult to use your home safely or independently
How to request a minor adaptation
Minor adaptations are small changes that can help you use your home more safely. For example:
- grab rails and handrails
- half steps
- adjustments to door handles or window latches
- lever taps
- flashing doorbells
- key safes
- other small support aids
Requests for minor adaptations can be made by a tenant or someone acting on their behalf, including a family member, friend, carer, healthcare professional or other specialist.
Use our online form to submit your request. You will need:
- your name, address and contact details
- the type of minor adaptation required
- why it's needed and evidence to support the request, if available
Request minor home adaptations for council tenants with disabilities
We will review your request and contact you to let you know whether we can provide the adaptation.
How to request a major adaptation
Major adaptations are larger changes that usually require an occupational therapist assessment. For example:
- over‑bath or level‑access showers
- access ramps
- stairlifts
- changes to kitchens and bathrooms to improve mobility
- other fixed mobility‑related adaptations
Step 1: Request a needs assessment
Request a needs assessment from Oxfordshire County Council using their online form.
You will need to provide:
- your name, date of birth and contact details
- your GP's details
- a description of the difficulties you’re having and what you think might help
Find out more about social care needs assessments by Oxfordshire County Council.
Step 2: Complete your assessment
An occupational therapist will arrange an appointment to visit your home and assess your needs.
They will:
- discuss the difficulties you are experiencing
- assess how you move around and use your home
- recommend adaptations you may need
They will send their recommendations to Oxford City Council.
Step 3: Wait for the outcome and next steps
Once we receive the occupational therapist's report, we will review the recommendations and contact you to explain the next steps.
Depending on the work required, we may need to:
- arrange a property survey
- carry out a feasibility assessment
- appoint contractors to carry out the work
We will keep you informed throughout the process.
How long the process takes
The time needed depends on the type of adaptation.
We try to complete straightforward adaptations as quickly as possible.
Larger or more complex adaptations may take longer because they require surveys, approvals or specialist contractors.
Maintenance and repairs
We are responsible for maintaining and repairing any disability adaptations we have installed.
We ask that you use your adaptations safely and as intended, and allow access for maintenance if needed.
To report a repair, speak to customer services as soon as possible.
If your home can't be adapted
In some cases, it may not be reasonable or practical to adapt a property.
If this happens, we will discuss other housing options with you, including moving to a home that better meets your needs.
