Stairlift grants: Can you get free stairlifts for pensioners? (UK)

• Common grants in the UK include the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and other government grants for stairlifts offered by local councils and charities.
• In the UK, pensioners may be eligible for free stairlifts through specific grants and local council schemes that cover the total cost of the stairlift.
• You cannot get a stairlift on the NHS. An NHS professional assesses your mobility needs and facilitates grant eligibility, such as for the DFG.

Stairlift grants can ease the financial burden for those with mobility issues. If you’re looking for ways to pay for your stairlift, this guide covers the main grants for stairlifts in the UK, including the Disabled Facilities Grant, charitable organisations, and regional programs like Scotland’s Scheme of Assistance.

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Contents

Financing a stairlift with stairlift grants in the UK
Is it possible to get free stairlifts for pensioners?
Can you get a stairlift from social services?
How to find stairlift grants for your situation?
FAQ

The information on this page has been confirmed by Alex Muir, our expert stairlift contributor/consultant from our trusted partner EMS Lift.

Financing a stairlift with stairlift grants in the UK

The UK offers stairlift grants, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), covering up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland (NI). Other support includes Veterans’ Assistance, Scotland’s Scheme of Assistance, and funding from charities like The Edward Gosling Fund (EGF), Turn2us, and Margaret’s Fund for women. Pensioners caring for disabled children under 18 may qualify for Family Fund support.

While exploring these grants, it’s also helpful to understand current stairlift costs. Get up to 4 free stairlift quotes from local providers to compare options and compare prices to get the best deal.

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Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government-funded program that helps individuals with mobility issues afford essential home adaptations like stairlifts.

Who can apply?

• UK residents who have long-term mobility challenges, such as older adults and families with disabled children, may qualify for full support without having to undergo means testing (checking income and savings). This means pensioners and children under 18 can more easily access the support they need.

What can you save?

• In England, eligible individuals may receive up to £30,000. In Wales, up to £36,000, and in Northern Ireland, up to £25,000 to cover the entire expense of home modifications, including the cost of stairlifts and installation.

How to apply

• Contact your local council for DFG application help. To qualify for a free stairlift, you must meet the DFG’s criteria, such as mobility needs and financial circumstances.
• Get a medical assessment from a GP or occupational therapist to confirm your need for a stairlift.
• Arrange a home assessment by the council to determine necessary adaptations.
• Provide financial details if required.
• Once approved, the council will handle the installation through an approved supplier.

Why is this grant important?

The DFG offers financial relief, covering stairlift costs for those who qualify. Removing financial obstacles enables individuals to live safely in their homes for longer, reducing the need for more expensive care options or relocations.

NHS support for stairlift grant applications

Understanding the NHS’s role in stairlift funding is crucial before applying for grants or schemes. While the NHS doesn’t fund stairlifts directly, it assesses your mobility needs, which is crucial for securing grants like the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). These assessments validate the need for stairlifts and home adaptations.

Veterans’ Assistance stairlift grants

Veterans’ Assistance offers financial aid for veterans and their families needing stairlift installations because of mobility issues.

Who can apply?

• Veterans or their families with mobility challenges.

What can you save?

• Partial or full coverage for stairlift installation.

How to apply?

• To apply for Veterans’ Assistance, contact Veterans UK or SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Families Association).
• You’ll need proof of service, medical proof of mobility issues, and stairlift quotes.

Why is this help important?

Veterans’ Assistance offers financial support to cover the cost of mobility solutions, making free stair lifts more accessible. It helps veterans improve home safety and quality of life, removing financial obstacles.

Charitable grants and financial support

UK charities like Independence at Home and The Edward Gostling Foundation offer direct financial support for mobility aids. The Edward Gostling Foundation offers grants from £5,000 to £50,000. Turn2us supports older adults and the disabled in finding financial help for stairlifts through government or charitable grants. Age UK guides older adults searching for stairlifts for the elderly.

Who can apply?

• Individuals with long-term mobility issues, such as older adults or people with health conditions, and specific groups, including pensioners and disabled persons, may be eligible for support.

What can you save?

• The Edward Gostling Foundation offers grants up to £5,000 for small projects. Independence at Home provides £300 to £600, which could help save on reconditioned stairlifts, as used straight stairlift prices start at £875.

How to apply:

• Use Turn2us to find suitable grants.
• If referred by a healthcare professional or social services, apply for support from Independence at Home.
• Apply directly to The Edward Gostling Foundation for grants up to £5,000 to £50,000.
• Age UK offers guidance on accessing stairlift grants for elderly residents.
• Submit medical and financial documents for eligibility.
• Follow up for stairlift funding or installation arrangements.

Why are charitable grants important?

Charitable grants and financial support can help cover the installations of both indoor and outdoor stairlifts. In the UK, homes with narrow or impractical staircases may need standing stairlifts instead of seated ones. Grants ease the financial burden of home adaptations, like stairlifts.

After exploring grant options and securing funding, compare stairlift quotes from various providers for the best deal. Find affordable installation to cut costs while ensuring quality service. Get up to 4 free quotes to find affordable installation options and get the best deal on the total cost. Click below to begin.

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Grants and support for disabled children

UK charities like Family Fund, Cerebra, and Caudwell Children offer essential financial aid for home adaptations, including stairlifts and other mobility solutions, such as mobile stairlifts. These funds ensure families with disabled children have access to flexible and permanent solutions that meet their needs without financial strain.

Who can apply?

• Families in the UK with disabled or seriously ill children under 18. Eligibility is based on the child’s medical condition and the family’s financial situation.

What can you save?

• Family Fund grants can cover the entire cost of a stairlift, while Cerebra and Caudwell Children typically provide partial funding. The amount depends on the child’s specific needs and the family’s financial circumstances.

How to apply?

• Visit each charity’s website: Family Fund, Cerebra, and Caudwell Children.
• Fill out the online application form detailing your child’s medical needs and financial status.
• Submit relevant medical documentation and financial proof.
• After approval, Family Fund often covers the full cost, while Cerebra and Caudwell Children provide partial funding and coordinate with stairlift suppliers for installation.

Why are these grants important?
Organisations like Family Fund, Cerebra, and Caudwell Children offer faster funding for stairlift installations, providing vital financial support for families with disabled children who may not qualify for larger government programs like the Disabled Facilities Grant.

Stairlift grants in Scotland

In Scotland, stairlift grants from the Scheme of Assistance can cover 80% to 100% of installation costs based on the local council’s evaluation. The Scottish Welfare Fund provides financial support for necessary home modifications, and Care and Repair Scotland arranges complimentary installations for senior and disabled individuals.

Who can apply?

• Scottish residents needing home adaptations due to mobility challenges. To qualify for a stairlift, you typically need to show a mobility need, financial challenges, or health issues requiring stairlift installation.

What can you save?

• The Assistance Scheme covers 80% to 100% of stairlift installation costs as assessed by your council. The Scottish Welfare Fund provides personalised financial aid for vital home modifications. Care and Repair Scotland oversees stairlift installations for seniors and disabled individuals, tailoring support to meet specific needs and local funding.

How to apply?

• Contact your local council’s housing department for assessments related to the Scheme of Assistance or the Scottish Welfare Fund. For Care and Repair Scotland, reach out directly.
• A professional, like an occupational therapist, conducts a home assessment to confirm stairlift needs.
• Once needs are confirmed, the council or organisation approves the adaptations and arranges for installation.
• The council or organisation coordinates with an approved supplier, covering 80% to 100% of the costs based on eligibility.

Why are these grants important?

Stairlift grants in Scotland help ease the financial burden of home modifications. They can reduce or cover the cost of a stairlift, making accessibility affordable for residents in need, especially older adults and the disabled.

Integrated Care Fund and ENABLE (Wales)

Wales residents who need mobility aids like stairlifts but cannot afford the costs can benefit from grants for stairlifts through the Integrated Care Fund (ICF) and ENABLE schemes. These government grants offer crucial financial support for home adaptations, like stairlifts, to ensure safety and accessibility at home.

Who can apply?

• Wales residents facing mobility challenges, elderly individuals, or those with disabilities who need financial help for home adaptations.

What can you save?

• Depending on your assessment, you could receive partial to full coverage for stairlift installation costs.

How to apply?

• Contact your local authority to request an assessment. They will guide you through the process of applying for stairlift grants and schemes.

Why are these schemes important?

These schemes help cover the cost of essential mobility aids, including stairlifts, especially for elderly and disabled residents.

Occupational-specific grants

In the UK, some professional-specific organisations provide financial aid for home adaptations, including stairlifts. The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) supports farming families, and the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) offers grants to current and former electrical industry workers needing mobility aids.

What can you save?

• The amount saved varies by organisation and individual circumstances. Grants may partially or fully cover stairlift costs, based on financial need and available funds.

How to apply?

• Contact the organisation through their official website or helpline.
• Submit required paperwork, such as proof of work history and financial necessity.
• Provide any necessary medical documentation to support the requirement for a stairlift.

Why are these programs important?

Occupation-focused grants address challenges in specific professions. RABI supports agricultural workers’ mobility needs, and EIC aids those in the electrical industry. These tailored programs offer financial aid for essential workers to overcome career obstacles.

Other financial options for stairlifts

Aside from specific stairlift grants like the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), there are other financial options available in the UK to help cover the cost of a stairlift. Curved stairlift prices are higher than straight models due to custom-made curved staircase rails. Explore additional financial resources to manage costs.

• VAT relief: To receive VAT relief, complete a User VAT declaration at the time of purchase. This allows 0% VAT for chronically sick or disabled individuals and a 5% reduced VAT rate for those over 60.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe allow individuals to raise funds for stairlifts and home adaptations by reaching out to their community.
• Loans and financing options: Many stairlift suppliers offer financing plans that spread the cost over time. Banks may also offer personal loans for home adaptations.
• Insurance coverage: In some cases, health, or home insurance may cover part of the stairlift cost. Check with your provider for options.
• Equity release: Homeowners can use home equity to fund stairlifts but consider the long-term impact on inheritance.

Exploring these options can reduce the overall cost of a stairlift. Once you’ve considered all alternatives, comparing stairlift prices is a practical next step. Getting multiple stairlift quotes allows you to make an informed decision and potentially save on installation costs.

Is it possible to get free stairlifts for pensioners?

Yes, pensioners can potentially get a stairlift for free or at a significantly reduced cost. Here’s how to get a stair lift for free:

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

• This is often the best option for a free stair lift.
• Pensioners are typically exempt from means testing.
• Can cover up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland.
• Usually, it covers the entire cost of basic stairlift models.

Charitable support

• Organisations like Independence at Home and Turn2us offer grants for home adaptations, including stairlifts.
• Age UK provides guidance on accessing these grants.

Local council schemes

• Some councils offer additional support beyond the DFG
• Contact your local social services department for information

VAT Relief

• While not making the stairlift free, it can significantly reduce costs.
• 0% VAT for chronically sick or disabled individuals.
• 5% reduced VAT rate for those over 60.

To pursue these options:

• Contact your local council’s social services department for a DFG assessment.
• Use the Turn2us website to find suitable charities.
• Ask stairlift suppliers about VAT relief when getting quotes.

Remember, while entirely free stair lifts aren’t guaranteed, these options make them much more affordable or potentially free for pensioners in need.

Can you get a stairlift from social services?

Not directly. However, social services can help you access stairlifts. Here’s how to get a stairlift through social services:

• Eligibility assessment: Contact your local council’s social services department to request an assessment. A social worker or occupational therapist will visit your home to determine if a stairlift is needed.
• Funding options: If approved, you may be eligible for funding through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) or other local council schemes that cover the cost of a stairlift.
• Application support: Social services will guide you through the application process for funding and help you gather the right documents.
• Installation coordination: Once approved for funding, social services will coordinate with approved suppliers to ensure your stairlift is installed correctly and meets your specific needs.
• Ongoing support: Social services support you beyond just the installation. They provide information on maintenance and any future adaptations that may be necessary as your needs change.

Although social services don’t provide stairlifts directly, they help access funding to get one. Their support enables individuals with mobility challenges to live safely and independently at home.

How to find stairlift grants for your situation?

Finding the right stairlift grants can help significantly reduce costs. Here’s how to get started:

• Contact your local council: Your local council’s social services can guide you through applying for grants like the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) or other government grants for stairlifts, which could cover part or all of the stairlift cost.
• Use charitable resources: Charities such as Age UK and Turn2us provide advice and support for finding grants for stairlifts, especially if you’re a pensioner or have a disability.
• Explore financing options: If a grant doesn’t work out, many stairlift companies offer financing plans to help spread the cost.

Remember, your local council’s social services department is often the best starting point. They can assess your needs and guide you through the application process for various grants and support options.

If you’ve explored grant options and are ready to proceed with stairlift installation, we can help you find the best deal. Compare up to 4 free stairlift quotes from stairlift providers and potentially save on your overall installation costs. Click the button to get started. 

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FAQ

Can disabled persons get a stairlift grant?

Yes, individuals with disabilities can apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant or disability-focused charities. Veterans may also qualify for Veterans’ Assistance.

Do you pay VAT on stairlifts?

If the stairlift is for personal use and you or the user is considered “chronically sick or disabled, you can qualify for 0% VAT relief. Pensioners over 60 may be eligible for a reduced 5% VAT rate.

Are there government grants for stairlifts available for kids?

Yes, children under 18 are often eligible for the Disabled Facilities Grant. The Family Fund, a UK-wide charity, provides additional financial support, while organisations like Cerebra and Caudwell Children offer more specific help.