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Stairlift Grants

This page was last updated on 7th October 2024

A stairlift can be an expensive purchase and you may worry you can’t afford one. If you don’t have a lot of money you might think a stairlift is out of your price range, even if it could solve the difficulties you have with your stairs.

If your limited budget is your main concern, don’t rule out a stairlift until you’ve looked into all your options. You may be able to get a grant to help with the cost, from either your local authority or a charity fund.

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What You Will Learn

Can You Get a Grant for Your Stairlift?

Getting a grant for a stairlift will depend on your current financial status. Grants and other sources of funding are means tested and there is normally a long waiting list for these. However, if you do meet the eligibility criteria then you may indeed qualify for full or parial funding towards your stairlift.

Finding out about sources of financial aid can be time-consuming. Our aim is to help you save time and money when you buy a stairlift. That’s why we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to!

Read on to learn about the grants that may be able to get to help with the cost of installing a stairlift.

Stairift Grants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

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Disabled Facilities Grants

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council. This type of grant is paid for by the government and you will need to apply through your local council to find out how much help you might get.

It is important to know that you may not qualify for a grant at all and any grant offered may not cover the full cost of installing a stairlift and you may still need to contribute towards the cost yourself. This is because Disabled Facilities Grants are means-tested. This means the council will take into account your household income and any household savings over £6000 before making a decision.

The maximum amount you could receive depends on which country you live in. People in England can get up to £30,000, in Wales up to £36,000 and in Northern Ireland up to £25,000.

If you think you may be able to get a grant from your council, you will need to wait for them to approve your application before you get your stairlift fitted. Your council will tell you when and how you will be paid the grant. The council may pay the invoice directly or give you a cheque to pass on to the stairlift company.

There are certain criteria to be met before a council will approve a grant. For instance, you (or the person applying for the grant) must plan to live in the house for the foreseeable future, which is usually the next five years. You can apply if you’re disabled and either own your own home or are a tenant. The council will assess whether installing a stairlift is “necessary and appropriate” for your needs. The work required needs to be considered “reasonable” and must be able to be carried out given the condition of the property.

You will need to contact your council to find out exactly what the process is for applying in your local area. An occupational therapist will probably visit your home to assess your needs and discuss what adaptations you would like to make. The council will also be able to give you an idea of the timescale involved. Be aware that in some cases it can take up to six months from application to receive a decision.

Stairlift Grants in Scotland

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The Scheme of Assistance

If you live in Scotland you can apply for a mandatory grant under the scheme of assistance from your local authority. This is similar to the process of obtaining a Disabled Facilities Grant in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Councils in Scotland provide grants for disabled people for structural adaptations, such as fitting a stairlift, so long as the work is assessed as essential for their needs.

If you are awarded a mandatory grant it should pay for a minimum of 80 percent of the cost of the stairlift installation. Local authorities have the discretion to award more than an 80 percent grant in certain circumstances. Exactly what financial help is offered in your area will be outlined in your local authority’s scheme of assistance statement.

It is possible to get a grant to pay for 100 percent of the work if you are in receipt of specific benefits. You will be eligible for a full grant if you receive any of the following: Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, guarantee credit part of Pension Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit.

There is no upper limit on the cost of home adaptations that a grant will cover. How much help you will be eligible for will be determined by your individual assessment of need. You will not be able to get a grant for any work that is not deemed necessary for your needs.

Stairlift Grants from Charities

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Independence at Home

Independence at Home is a charity that was established over 50 years ago. It can provide financial help for people with long term illness or disability to improve their independence at home. To be eligible for a grant the person applying must be in financial need. In other words, finding it hard to afford the cost of everyday living and unable to afford the equipment needed.

You will need to get a professional, such as an occupational therapist, social worker or physiotherapist, to assess your needs and apply on your behalf. You can expect to receive a decision within 2 weeks of applying.

If you qualify for a grant the amount awarded could be between £200 and £600. This amount can be used towards the cost of a stairlift and you may be able to get an additional grant from another source.

The Headley Trust

The Headley Trust (part of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts) runs a programme that provides grants of up to £2,500 towards equipment that can help increase a disabled person’s mobility. Usually, no more than half the total cost of the mobility equipment will be awarded as a grant. The funds to pay for the remaining cost will need to be raised separately.

In order to apply, you will need to be referred by a third party such as a social worker, healthcare professional, or registered charity.

The ACT Foundation

The ACT Foundation offers grants of up to £2,500 towards equipment that can help a person live independently at home. Applications will only be considered in cases where statutory funding is not available. Priority will be given to people on the lowest incomes with the greatest need.

The Glasspool Trust

The Glasspool Trust is a national charity that aims to help people in need by awarding small grants to help with the cost of various things. To be considered for a contribution towards a home adaptation such as a stairlift you will need to get a recommendation from an occupational therapist.

This charity does not accept applications from individuals and you will need to use an approved third-party organisation to apply on your behalf. You can find full details of referral agencies on the charity’s website.

The Barchester Healthcare Foundation

The Barchester Healthcare Foundation provides grants for older people over 65 as well as other adults with a disability. The grants can be used to purchase items such as a stairlift that will improve a person’s mobility and independence.

The size of grant awarded can range from £100 to £5,000. Applications must be made by a third party who knows you in a professional or community-based capacity.

Turn2us

The Turn2us website has a Grants Search facility where you can enter your details to find out about any grants you might be able to receive.

The Next Step

We can help you find the perfect stairlift. We are BHTA registered and only work with stairlift companies that have been vetted to meet our stringent standards on fair pricing and outstanding customer support.

  • Proudly manufactured in Britain
  • Can be fitted to any type of stairs
  • Reliable and safe
  • Whisper quiet DC motor
  • Battery back up in case of a power cut
  • Low running costs
  • 2 years full warranty
  • 24 hour support 365 days a year
  • Factory approved reconditioned models available
  • Same day installation on selected brands
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Stairlift Grant FAQs

Can I get a grant for a stairlift?

There are grants available for stairlifts, although this depends on which part of the UK you are from. If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, contact your local council or social services to see if you are eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. This grant can provide financial assistance towards the cost of installing your stairlift. If you live in Scotland, they have a similar grant under the Scheme of Assistance. Other grants for stairlifts may be available from charities, although these are normally only given to those who most need financial assistance.

Are there free stairlifts for the elderly?

Whilst private companies do not install stairlifts for free, if you are elderly or registered as disabled there are a number of government and charity grants that may be able to assist you with funding towards the cost of your stairlift. Depending on your financial status, you may be able eligible to get the full cost of the stairlift paid for, meaning you can get your stairlift for free.

Can I get a stairlift on the NHS?

The NHS doesn’t directly provide funding to pay for a stairlift. However, your local council or social services can arrange a free home assessment where an Occupational Therapist will visit you in your home to see what adaptations may help you with your mobility issues. After this assessment, you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant, which can provide funding for the cost of your stairlift.

Can I get a stairlift through social services?

Depending on your situation, stairlifts may be available through your local council or social services, although this is normally in the form of a grant. To be eligible for the grant, your local council will arrange a free home assessment by an occupational therapist. They will visit you in your home and assess your eligibility for help. Your local council will often fund small adaptations (up to £1000). However, since most stairlifts cost more than £1000, you will most likely be referred for a Disabled Facilities Grant, which can help provide financial assistance towards the cost of installation.

Are stairlift grants means tested?

Stairlift grants are normally means tested, meaning that your household income and savings will be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Your local council or social services will arrange a free home assessment by an occupational therapist. They will decide which modifications to your home may be required to help you with your mobility. If it is deemed that a stairlift is necessary and you meet the financial eligibility requirements, they may refer you for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Who is entited to a Disabled Facilities Grant?

To be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), either you or someone living in the property must be registered as disabled. You can be a homeowner or a tenant, but you must intend to live in the property for at least 5 years once the grant is awarded. The DFG is also means tested. It is important to note that you may not be eligible to receive a grant if you have already made modifications to your home before your application has been received.

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