Financing a Stairlift
This guide is designed to provide answers to common questions regarding the financing of a stairlift for your home.
This article covers UK stairlift grants and the availability of free stairlifts through social services. Additionally, it offers advice on budgeting, tips for fundraising, and information on specific organizations and charities that can provide support.
Grants for stairlifts
Financial assistance in the form of grants is a viable option for those who need a stairlift but are concerned about the cost. If you or someone you know is in this situation, it is important to not dismiss the possibility of obtaining a stairlift. By continuing to read, you will discover more information about grants available for financing stairlifts.
Financial support for obtaining a stairlift can be found from various sources, including government programs and aid from charities and other organizations. It is important to keep in mind that eligibility for financial assistance varies and obtaining a stairlift grant is not guaranteed, even if it is necessary. The following is a list of some of the grants that are available to assist with the cost of a stairlift.
Stairlifts grants available
- The Disabled Facilities Grant
- Charities such as The Edward Gostling Foundation
- Referrals to charities from Occupational Therapists or health and social care workers through Independence At Home, and Margaret’s Fund
- Specialist charities such as the SSAFA and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution
Can I get funding for my stairlift?
Acquiring a stairlift is a significant personal investment, requiring specialized equipment and professional installation. However, securing additional funds can make the purchase more manageable. If you’re wondering “Is it possible to receive funding for my stairlift?” then continue reading to learn about the best options available to you.
The Disabled Facilities Grant
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the government provides a grant known as the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help individuals make necessary changes to their homes. The maximum value of this grant is £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. However, Disabled Facilities Grants are not available in Scotland. If you are interested in finding out what support you could receive, please contact Age Scotland.
The amount awarded from a DFG is determined by means-testing, based on household income and savings above £6,000. While many individuals may be eligible for this grant, it is not guaranteed that they will receive the full amount.
Applications for the DFG can be obtained from local councils. To apply for this grant, you will need two written estimates from stairlift companies.
If you are a landlord and have a tenant who requires a stairlift, you may also apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to help cover the costs of fitting a stairlift in your rental property.
The ACT Foundation
If you have received a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) but still require additional funding for your stairlift, you can apply for a grant from the ACT Foundation. These grants are smaller than the DFG, with a maximum value of £2,500, but can still provide significant financial assistance for the cost of a curved stairlift in your home. To apply, simply download an application form from the ACT Foundation website and submit it via postal mail.
RABI – Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution offers grants and even free stairlifts to farming families across the UK. To start the application process, simply call their freephone helpline at 0808 2819490 and fill out an application form. You will be required to provide some information about your financial situation.
SSAFA
The Armed Forces charity, SSAFA, offers grants for stairlifts in the UK to anyone who has served in the armed forces or is a military partner or spouse in need of home adaptations or improvements. To begin the application process, simply call their free helpline at 0800 731 4880.
As stated by a spokesperson for the charity, “If you’re a member of the Armed Forces, past or present, or a military partner or spouse, please reach out to us at SSAFA so we can assist you in adapting your home to accommodate your reduced mobility.”
Getting financial support for a stairlift can take anywhere from 3-18 months, so if a new stairlift is not within your budget, consider purchasing a refurbished one. The wait time for the installation of a new or refurbished stairlift is typically one week.
Check the Turn2us resource
Seniors searching for information on grants can turn to the Turn2us website. According to Una from Turn2us, “It’s important to ensure that you’re receiving all the welfare benefits to which you’re entitled, and Turn2us.org.uk is the place to do it. Here, you can also determine if there are any grants you qualify for.” Utilizing the Turn2us website or consulting with one of their advisors can aid those seeking financial assistance for a stairlift in identifying all the relevant benefits and grants they’re eligible for.
Budgeting or fundraising for a stairlift
Financing a stairlift can be achieved through personal savings or external financing sources. However, you can also raise funds for it by launching a fundraising campaign.
Andrew Schrage, co-owner of Money Crashers Personal Finance, suggests taking some strategic financial steps to finance a stairlift without outside assistance. He recommends creating a budget and reducing monthly expenses to generate a surplus that can be used towards the cost of the stairlift.
Local fundraising is a time-honored method of obtaining funds for necessary projects that cater to individuals with disabilities. The Institute of Fundraising offers useful tips and guidelines for fundraising, including ideas that are beneficial for local campaigns.
Are stairlifts tax-exempt?
Individuals who are looking to purchase a stairlift for personal use may be eligible for a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT). To qualify for 0% VAT, the buyer must meet certain criteria such as being “chronically sick or disabled” and the stairlift must be for personal or domestic use. The definition of “chronically sick or disabled” as stated by HMRC includes individuals with a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term impact on their daily activities, as well as those with conditions such as diabetes that are recognized as chronic illnesses by medical professionals.
Individuals who are purchasing a stairlift for someone who is “chronically sick or disabled” can also claim VAT relief. At the time of sale, the stairlift provider will ask the buyer to complete a “User VAT Declaration” to confirm eligibility, which must contain enough information to prove that the buyer meets all the criteria. It’s important to complete this declaration at the time of sale, as the zero-rating is applied by the supplier not charging VAT instead of refunding it. Any mistakes will be corrected by the supplier and not by HMRC.
For those who are over 60 years old, they may be eligible for a reduced VAT rate of 5% for stairlifts and other mobility aids that are installed for use in a private home.
Free stairlifts
If you’re in need of mobility adaptations in your home, such as grab rails, ramps, and automatic lighting, you may be eligible to receive them for free through your local council. To apply, simply visit the government website’s section on disabled home equipment and follow the instructions.
How to get a stairlift for free?
It’s possible to have the full cost of a stairlift covered by financial aid, effectively providing you with a free stairlift. However, obtaining this type of aid is a more complex process compared to getting a stairlift through a council or charity. There are grants available in the UK that can pay for all or part of a stairlift, but the application process involves working with local authorities and health and social workers.
For farming families, the RABI can offer help with purchasing a stairlift for those who need it. For more information, see the section on contacting the RABI.
For further guidance on obtaining a free stairlift, reach out to your local council.
How to get a stairlift from social services?
This section will guide you through the process of obtaining a stairlift through local council or social services funding. You can start by seeking assistance from health or social care professionals or an Occupational Therapist, who can refer you to organizations that provide financial aid.
Disabled Facilities Grant
your local council may advise you to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant.
Margaret’s Fund
The Margaret’s Fund is a UK-based charity exclusively serving women living with ill health. This non-profit organization offers small grants to cover the cost of stairlifts and other home disability equipment for women in need. Access to these grants is available through referral from social services, including a healthcare professional or an Occupational Therapist.
Independence At Home
To get a stairlift grant from Margaret’s Fund through social services:
- Write a letter to the charity detailing the use of funds for a stairlift
- Complete an application form, available on the Independence at Home website
- Provide a medical diagnosis of disability or condition and a statement of requirements for the stairlift
Supply a quote from the stairlift company to social services
Note: Application must be made through a health or social care worker, nurse, or another form of social services and not directly by the applicant.