Do you require a stairlift but need help with funding? In the UK, stairlift grants are available through schemes such as the Disabled Facilities Grant, which is provided through local councils. However, all stairlift grants are subject to eligibility factors and household finances.
If you’re considering stairlift funding options for yourself or a loved one, read our handy guide to find out everything you need to know.
What are Stairlift Grants?
Stairlift grants are forms of financial aid that help cover some or all of the cost of stairlift installation. Financial support generally comes from Government grants, local councils, and charities.
However, stairlift grants are means-tested and depend on your overall household income and amount of savings. They’re available to help individuals with mobility issues who require financial support for costly home adaptations. Without financial aid, many people would have limited safety and less independence in their homes.
Who is Eligible for Stairlift Grants?
You may be eligible for financial support through stairlift grants if you or a loved one:
- Owns a property, or is a tenant with landlord permission
- Requires safer access to the stairs
- Has a long-term disability or mobility condition
- Meets the grant’s eligibility criteria
To find out if you’re eligible for a specific stairlift grant, follow along to see if you could qualify.
Types of Stairlift Grants in the UK
There are two main types of stairlift grants available in the UK, each with similar eligibility criteria.
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is the main Government-backed scheme that lets you apply for funding for essential home adaptations through your local council. Funding is available up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. A home assessment will take place to assess whether a stairlift is both necessary and appropriate to meet your needs.
To qualify for the DFG, you must have a disability, own a property or be a tenant with landlord permission, and agree to stay in the property for at least five years after the stairlift is installed if funding is approved.
The Scheme of Assistance
The Scheme of Assistance is for residents in Scotland who may require a stairlift grant to repair, maintain, or adapt their home.
The scheme is essentially the Scottish equivalent of the DFG, and was first developed under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 to help support independent living and home adaptations for disabled individuals. A home assessment will also need to take place to assess whether a stairlift is both necessary and appropriate to meet your needs.
To qualify for the Scheme of Assistance, you must have a disability or health condition that requires a home adaptation such as a stairlift, and own the property or be a tenant with landlord permission.
Charity Stairlift Grants
Several charities in the UK offer funding support when Government grants for stairlifts aren’t available, including Independence at Home, Margaret’s Fund, and SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity).
Independence at Home
Independence at Home helps cover some or all stairlift costs, offering grants up to £2,000 for people in the UK with a disability or long-term illness. In comparison to Government grants, referrals and applications for Independence at Home grants must be submitted by a social worker, occupational therapist (OT), or healthcare professional.
Margaret’s Fund
Margaret’s Fund is a charity committed to helping women in ill health by providing grants to improve the quality of daily life. For reasons associated with the charity’s history, Margaret’s Fund typically prioritises conditions such as tuberculosis and chest or lung-related conditions.
SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity)
SSAFA (the Armed Forces Charity) provide grants for welfare support, equipment, and home adaptations, including stairlifts, to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. You must have served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces or be an immediate family member or spouse of someone who has to be able to apply for a grant from SSAFA.
Application Process for Stairlift Grants
To apply for a Government stairlift grant, you must:
- Contact your local council for a home assessment
- Choose a suitable date for an occupational therapist to visit your home
- Wait for the council to review your eligibility and their funding availability (this can take a few weeks to up to six months)
To apply for a charity stairlift grant, you must:
- Get a referral from a social worker, occupational therapist, or healthcare professional
- Meet the charity’s specific eligibility criteria
- Wait for the charity to review your eligibility and their funding availability (typically takes a few weeks, and has a generally shorter waiting time compared to Government grants)
Can You Get a Stairlift on the NHS?
Unfortunately, you cannot get a free stairlift on the NHS. However, the NHS plays a key role in securing funding, including stairlift grants, by sending a healthcare professional to assess your mobility requirements free of charge.
NHS occupational therapy assessments support applications to your local council for common grants such as the DFG. Once an assessment has been completed, the NHS can advise on the next steps and assist where needed to ensure you get the help you need.
Other Stairlift Funding Options
Reconditioned Stairlifts
Reconditioned stairlift prices are considerably lower than new models. If you’re looking to lower the price of your stairlift, buying a reconditioned stairlift is one of the best options, with models costing up to £1,500 depending on the make, brand, and condition.
Flexible Payment Plans
Most stairlift companies offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of a stairlift over a few months. Paying upfront in one sum can no doubt be costly, especially if you have low funds. At Halton Stairlifts, we understand how helpful it can be for customers to spread stairlift costs out, which is why we offer flexible finance plans on every single one of our stairlifts.
VAT Exemption
If you’re chronically sick or disabled, your stairlift may be eligible for 0% VAT if it’s being used for personal domestic use. If you’re over 60 but not disabled, you may also qualify for a reduced 5% VAT rate. VAT on mobility aids typically covers purchase cost, installation, and general maintenance of a stairlift. You don’t have to pay VAT up front to claim the exemption back, but instead, you have to declare eligibility to your stairlift supplier.
Where to Find Affordable Stairlifts
If you are unable to secure a stairlift grant, you’re probably wondering what to do next. At Halton Stairlifts, we understand that you may feel worried or stressed about not being able to get funding for a stairlift you may desperately need. However, we have options available to help:
- Competitive and affordable price
- Collections of straight and curved reconditioned stairlifts
- Flexible payment options available
- FREE home assessments
To find out more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Stairlift Grants FAQs
Can I get a grant for a stairlift in the UK?
Yes, you can get a grant for your stairlift in the UK through Government schemes, including the Disabled Facilities Grant in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or the Scheme of Assistance in Scotland. Alternatively, you can apply for grants through charities, such as Independence at Home, Margaret’s Fund, and SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity).
How long do stairlift grants take to come through?
Government stairlift grants can take up to six months to come through, and charity grants can take a few weeks, offering a much shorter waiting time.
How do I get a stairlift from social services for free?
You cannot get a stairlift from social services for free. However, they can assist with referrals to gain funding.
Are there free stairlifts for pensioners in the UK?
There is no such thing as free stairlifts for pensioners in the UK. The only way for a pensioner to potentially get a free stairlift is by applying for a stairlift grant.
