Iah Charity Company Limited

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £536,742 (2024/25)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2 weeks (with complete information)
• Grant Range: £300 - £600
• Average Grant: £380-£406
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom (national)
• Total Grants: 1,320 grants awarded in 2024/25

Contact Details

Address: 4th Floor, Congress House, 14 Lyon Road, Harrow HA1 2EN

Website: www.independenceathome.org.uk

Email: iah@independenceathome.org.uk

Phone: 020 8427 7929

Application Method: Online application form (professional referral required)

Overview

Founded in 1965, Independence at Home (operating as IAH Charity Company Limited, registered charity 1141758) has improved independent living for over 50,000 people with disabilities and long-term illnesses across the UK, distributing more than £9.5 million in grants. The charity provides one-off grants to individuals in financial need who are managing physical or learning disabilities or long-term illness at home. In 2024/25, they awarded 1,320 grants totaling £536,742, with an average grant value of £406. The charity's operating costs are covered by generous benefactors, meaning 100% of public donations go directly to grant awards. Their mission focuses on improving “independence, comfort, safety, dignity and quality of life for people with long-term illness and disability.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Grants: £300 - £600 (average £380-£406)

• One-off grants for specialist equipment and home adaptations
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis via online form
• Professional referral required (no direct applications from individuals)
• Payment made directly to suppliers within 5 working days of approval
• Only one grant per individual in any 12-month period

Priority Areas

Independence at Home funds items that:

• Enable mobility and independence at home
• Improve safety and quality of life
• Support daily living activities
• Are not available through statutory funding (NHS/Local Authority)

Examples of funded items:

• Mobility and disability equipment
• Communication aids
• Therapeutic toys for children with disabilities
• Home adaptations (building work, ramps, stairlifts, etc.)
• Specialist beds and seating
• Essential household items adapted for disability needs
• Vehicle adaptations (though not vehicles themselves)

What They Don't Fund

Explicit exclusions:

• Medical treatment or therapies
• Travel to hospital appointments
• Debt relief or arrears
• Funeral expenses
• Telephone costs, televisions, or TV licenses
• Motor vehicles (though vehicle adaptations may be considered)
• Items already purchased
• Regular or recurring grants
• Groups, organizations, or institutions
• People in residential care or hospitals
• People without UK residency rights
• Purchases from large retailers (Argos, Currys, John Lewis) that don't accept charity payments

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Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Professional Referral Required: Independence at Home does not accept applications directly from individuals or their families. Applications must be submitted by:

• Social workers
• Occupational therapists
• Specialist nurses
• Physiotherapists
• Mental health nurses
• GPs or social prescribers
• Disability and health advice workers
• Case workers from housing associations or charities
• Citizens Advice Bureau advisors

Application Requirements:

1. Online Grant Application Form (with save and resume function available)
2. Copy of referring organization's current Safeguarding Policy (required from September 2024)
3. Written evidence of medical condition
4. Recent quotation from supplier or contractor (on company letterhead)

Application portal: Available at independenceathome.org.uk

Decision Timeline

• Normal processing: 2 working weeks from receipt of complete application
• Current processing: Taking slightly longer due to high application volumes
• Automated confirmation: Referrers receive email with unique reference number upon submission
• Payment processing: 5 working days via BACS transfer to supplier after approval

Success Rates

Success rate statistics are not publicly available. The charity awarded 1,320 grants in 2024/25 but does not publish data on total applications received or rejection rates.

Reapplication Policy

• Only one grant per individual in any 12-month period
• Repeat applications not encouraged unless there has been "a significant change in the client's circumstances"
• Applications for different items may be considered after circumstances change

Application Success Factors

Key success factors based on funder guidance:

1. Professional referral relationship: Applications must come from health/social care professionals actively involved in the client's care. Building relationships with eligible referrers (OTs, social workers, specialist nurses) is essential.

1. Evidence of financial need: Clear demonstration that the individual/family is struggling with everyday living costs and cannot afford the required equipment. Savings must be within specified thresholds.

1. Statutory funding exhausted: Must show that NHS or Local Authority funding has been sought and is unavailable for the specific item.

1. Appropriate suppliers: Avoid large retailers (Argos, Currys, John Lewis) that won't accept charity payments. Use specialist equipment suppliers or local contractors willing to accept direct payment from charities.

• Valid quotation on company letterhead
• Written medical evidence
• Current safeguarding policy
• Clear justification for the equipment/adaptation needed

1. Suitable items: Focus on specialist equipment and adaptations that directly improve independence, safety, and quality of life at home. Avoid items on the exclusion list.

1. One item per application: The charity “normally only able to assist with one item per applicant” so prioritize the most essential need.

What they value: The charity emphasizes dignity, independence, comfort, safety, and quality of life. Applications should clearly articulate how the requested item will improve these aspects of daily living for someone managing long-term illness or disability at home.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Not for organizations: This funder only makes grants to individuals with disabilities/long-term illnesses, not to charities or organizations. Applications must be made by professional referrers on behalf of individual beneficiaries.

• Professional referral is mandatory: Direct applications are not accepted. Establish relationships with health and social care professionals who can make referrals.

• Financial need is crucial: Clear evidence of financial hardship and exhausted statutory funding sources is essential. Know the savings thresholds.

• Complete applications process faster: With all documentation included, decisions can be made within 2 weeks. Incomplete applications cause delays.

• One-off grants only: This is not a source for ongoing support. Each individual can receive only one grant per 12-month period, typically for a single item.

• Choose appropriate suppliers: Avoid large retailers that don't accept charity payments. Use specialist equipment suppliers or local contractors.

• 100% of donations to grants: The charity's operating costs are covered separately, so all public donations go to grants—an appealing message for potential beneficiaries.

• Long-term impact: Since 1965, the charity has helped 50,000+ people with over £9.5 million in grants, demonstrating sustained commitment to their mission.

References

1. Independence at Home official website - www.independenceathome.org.uk
2. Charity Commission Register - IAH Charity Company Limited, Charity Number 1141758
3. Independence at Home “How to Apply” page - https://independenceathome.org.uk/how-to-apply
4. Independence at Home FAQ page - https://independenceathome.org.uk/faqs
5. Independence at Home “Our Work” page - https://independenceathome.org.uk/our-work
6. IAH 2022/23 Summary Report - https://independenceathome.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IAH-Summary-Report-2022-23-FV-12-10-23.pdf
7. Multiple local authority SEND directories and information services referencing Independence at Home