Stairlift Grants & Funding
You may be entitled to financial help towards the cost of a stairlift. The Disabled Facilities Grant can provide up to £30,000 — and stairlifts are VAT-free for disabled people. Here's everything you need to know.
Available Grants & Funding Options
Several schemes exist to help with the cost of a stairlift in the UK. The most significant is the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), available in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
Up to £30,000Who qualifies: Homeowners and tenants in England. Must be disabled or have a long-term condition affecting mobility.
Means-tested for adults. Not means-tested for children. Applied for via your local council.
DFG — Wales
Up to £36,000Who qualifies: Residents in Wales with a disability or long-term mobility condition.
Administered by Welsh local authorities. Higher maximum grant than England.
DFG — Northern Ireland
Up to £25,000Who qualifies: Residents in Northern Ireland.
Administered by the Housing Executive. Means-tested.
Scottish Scheme
Varies by councilWho qualifies: Residents in Scotland with a disability.
Scotland uses a different scheme — contact your local council for current details.
VAT Relief
20% savingWho qualifies: Anyone with a long-term disability or illness.
Stairlifts for personal use by a disabled person are zero-rated for VAT. GentleRise applies this automatically with a simple declaration form.
Attendance Allowance / PIP
Ongoing benefitWho qualifies: People of state pension age or working-age adults with a disability.
Not a grant, but these benefits can help fund ongoing costs including stairlift rental or maintenance contracts.
How the Disabled Facilities Grant Works
Contact Your Local Council
The DFG is administered by your local council. Contact their housing or social services department to enquire about eligibility and start an application.
Occupational Therapist Assessment
The council will arrange for an occupational therapist to visit your home and assess your mobility needs. Their recommendation is key to the grant application.
Grant Approval
If approved, the council will confirm the grant amount. The DFG is means-tested for applicants over 18, so income and savings may affect the amount awarded.
Choose Your Stairlift
Once approved, you choose your stairlift. GentleRise works with grant-funded customers and can provide quotes and documentation required by the council.
Installation
Your stairlift is installed by GentleRise engineers. Payment is made directly to us from the grant, or you pay and reclaim — your council will advise.
Grant FAQs
Can anyone get a Disabled Facilities Grant?
The DFG is available to homeowners and tenants in England who have a disability or long-term condition that affects mobility. It is means-tested for adults, so the amount you receive depends on your income and savings.
How long does a DFG application take?
The process typically takes 3–6 months from application to approval and installation. If you need a stairlift urgently, you may wish to self-fund initially — speak to your council about this option.
Does GentleRise help with grant applications?
We don't submit applications on your behalf, but we can provide quotes, specifications, and documentation that your council may require as part of the process.
Do I have to pay VAT on a stairlift?
No — if you have a long-term illness or disability, stairlifts are zero-rated for VAT. You simply sign a short eligibility declaration and we apply the relief automatically. This saves you 20% on the cost.
What if I don't qualify for a grant?
GentleRise offers 0% finance to spread the cost interest-free, and reconditioned stairlifts from £795 as a more affordable option. We'll always help you find the most cost-effective solution.
Can I get a grant for a rental stairlift?
Grants are generally for purchasing and installing a stairlift, not rental. However, rental may be a practical option while waiting for a grant application to be approved.
Need Advice on Funding?
We're happy to talk you through the options during your free home assessment — no pressure, no obligation.