Government funding: The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is the main source of funding for home adaptations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While it doesn't guarantee a completely free stairlift for every applicant, it can cover the full cost for those on a low income who pass the means test. The grant is administered by your local council, and the maximum amount varies by region:
- England: Up to £30,000
- Wales: Up to £36,000 (with potential top-up schemes like ENABLE)
- Northern Ireland: Up to £25,000
To be eligible, you must have a long-term disability or medical condition that makes using the stairs difficult or dangerous. You must also be the owner, private tenant, or housing association tenant of the property and intend to live there for at least five years.
The DFG assessment and application process
- Contact your local council: Start by requesting a needs assessment from your local council's Adult Social Care team.
- Occupational Therapist (OT) visit: An OT will assess your mobility challenges and determine if a stairlift is both "necessary and appropriate" for your needs.
- Financial means test: The council conducts a means test based on your household income and savings over £6,000. Some benefits, like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), are disregarded. Receiving income-related benefits may lead to full funding. For children under 18, the DFG is not means-tested.
- Obtain quotes: You will need to provide two written quotes from stairlift suppliers for the cost of the work.
- Await approval: Do not start any work until your application is formally approved, or you may lose the funding.
Funding options in Scotland
In Scotland, the system differs and uses the Scheme of Assistance instead of the DFG. This scheme also provides financial help for home adaptations through your local council.
- Standard grant: A mandatory grant of at least 80% of the approved cost is available for eligible adaptations.
- 100% grant: If you receive certain income-based benefits, such as Universal Credit or Guarantee Pension Credit, you may qualify for a 100% grant.
- Eligibility: Similar to the DFG, you need an occupational therapy assessment to confirm that a stairlift is essential due to a long-term disability.
Charitable grants and alternative funding
Even if you don't qualify for full government funding, or if the grant doesn't cover the total cost, several charities offer support.
- Independence at Home: Provides small grants to people on a low income with mobility needs. A health or social care worker must apply on your behalf.
- Edward Gostling Foundation: Funds mobility equipment for those with long-term illnesses or disabilities who are on a low income. Applications must be made through a registered charity, like Age UK.
- Veterans' assistance charities: Organisations such as SSAFA and the Royal British Legion offer grants to former members of the armed forces and their families.
- Marie Curie: Has a partnership with Acorn Stairlifts to provide free installations for terminally ill patients under their care.
- VAT relief: Many chronically sick or disabled individuals can claim 0% VAT relief on the purchase and installation of a stairlift for domestic use. Those over 60 may qualify for a reduced 5% VAT rate.
Comparison of funding options
| Feature | Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) | Scheme of Assistance (Scotland) | Charitable Grants (e.g., Independence at Home) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region | England, Wales, Northern Ireland | Scotland | UK-wide (eligibility varies by charity) |
| Means-tested | Yes (for adults); No (for under 18s) | Yes, but some benefits guarantee 100% funding | Yes, typically for low-income households |
| Assessment | Mandatory Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment | Mandatory OT assessment | Referral from a health/social care professional usually required |
| Maximum grant | Up to £30,000 (England), £36,000 (Wales), £25,000 (N.I.) | At least 80%, up to 100% depending on benefits | Typically smaller amounts, often used to top-up other funding |
| Application | Through local council | Through local council | Often requires a third-party application (e.g., social worker) |
Conclusion: Your pathway to a funded stairlift
Securing a free or subsidised stairlift in the UK requires navigating the application processes of government schemes and potentially supplementing funds with charitable assistance. The first and most crucial step is to contact your local council's Adult Social Care department to request a needs assessment from an occupational therapist. This assessment is the foundation for almost all funding routes and determines if a stairlift is a necessary and appropriate adaptation for your home.
For most people, the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) will be the primary source of support, though eligibility is means-tested based on income and savings. In Scotland, the process is similar but handled through the Scheme of Assistance. If statutory funding falls short or if your circumstances change, researching specific charities, such as those helping veterans or people with certain medical conditions, can provide a valuable top-up. With the right information and a systematic approach, improving your home's accessibility is an achievable goal. A good starting point for exploring options and checking your potential eligibility for various grants is the Turn2us website.
