Stairlift Grants and Funding

Disabled Facilities Grant

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is provided by your local council to help adapt a home for someone with a disability. A stairlift is a common adaptation covered by it.

It is means-tested for adults, based on income and savings, and requires an assessment — usually by an occupational therapist — confirming the adaptation is necessary and appropriate. For a disabled child, it is generally not means-tested.

Apply through your local council. The process takes time, so start early, and do not order a lift before the assessment as that can affect eligibility.

VAT Relief

If the stairlift is for someone with a long-term illness or disability and is for personal use in their own home, the supply and installation are usually zero-rated for VAT. This is not a rebate you claim later — the supplier simply does not charge it.

You complete a short declaration form the supplier provides. It is self-declared, and you do not need medical proof.

Other Sources of Help

• Local council schemes beyond the DFG, sometimes including small grants or loans for minor adaptations.
• Charities — some armed forces, occupational and condition-specific charities help with mobility equipment.
• Home Improvement Agencies can help you navigate applications.
• Charitable trusts occasionally assist where statutory funding falls short.

If You Do Not Qualify

Many people fall outside grant thresholds. If that is you, the practical routes to a lower cost are comparing suppliers properly, considering a reconditioned unit, and claiming VAT relief where eligible.

If the need is temporary, rental avoids a large up-front outlay entirely.