Can I Get Help To Buy A Stairlift?
The moment you realise you or someone you love needs a stairlift, the next worry is almost always the cost. The good news is you don’t have to face it alone. There’s real financial help available in the UK, and there are sensible lower-cost routes if a grant isn’t right for you.
A stairlift is a genuine investment in your independence, but for many households, the upfront cost is the sticking point. Below is a clear guide to the financial support available and the practical alternatives we offer at Senior Stairlifts if a grant isn’t an option.
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How Can I Get Help To Buy A Stairlift?
In the UK, there are several routes to financial assistance. Some are government-backed, some are charitable, and some are simply smarter ways to spread the cost. It’s worth checking every option you may be eligible for, as you can often combine more than one.
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, The Disabled Facilities Grant is usually the first place to look. It’s a means-tested government grant administered through your local council, designed to help disabled people make essential changes to their home, including a stairlift. So it’s possible you may not qualify, or if you do qualify, the grant may not cover the entire price of the stairlift.
The maximum amount available is:
- £30,000 in England
- £36,000 in Wales
- £25,000 in Scotland (via the Scheme of Assistance)
To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Own or have permission from your landlord to make the adaptation
- Plan to live in the property for at least the next 5 years
- Pass a needs assessment. The council will decide whether a stairlift is “necessary and appropriate” for your situation
- Pass a means test based on your household income and savings
Rules vary by council, and waiting times can be long, so it’s worth contacting your local authority early.
Other Sources Of Financial Support
The DFG isn’t the only option. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to:
- VAT Relief: If the stairlift is for personal use and you have a long-term illness or disability, you may not have to pay VAT on the purchase or installation.
- Charitable Grants: Organisations such as Age UK, Independence at Home, and various condition-specific charities (MS Society, Stroke Association and others) can sometimes contribute toward the cost.
- Council Hardship or Discretionary Funding: Some councils run additional schemes outside the DFG, always ask.
- Occupational Therapist Assessment: A free OT assessment through social services can support your application and help establish clinical need.
Are There Cheaper Alternatives To Getting A Stairlift?
Yes, and they’re often the right answer even for customers who don’t need a grant.
Reconditioned Stairlifts
A reconditioned stairlift is a previously used model that we’ve stripped down, replaced any worn parts, and put through rigorous safety testing at our warehouse before it’s installed in your home. Every reconditioned stairlift we supply is signed off by our engineers to the same safety standard as a new one.
Prices start from £1,795 fitted, which can be less than half the cost of a comparable new model.
Stairlift Finance
We’re one of the few UK stairlift companies to offer dedicated stairlift finance. Through our partnership with Snap Finance, you can spread the cost of a new or reconditioned stairlift over manageable monthly payments rather than paying up front.
How Do I Know What Stairlift Will Be Right For Me?
Choosing a stairlift can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re weighing up cost at the same time. We make it straightforward.
We supply straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts to suit every type of staircase, and our team will recommend the right model for your home, your mobility needs and your budget, with no pressure and no hidden costs.
The quickest way to get a sense of what’s available is to request a brochure or get a free quote.
In Summary
Help with the cost of a stairlift is out there, it just takes a little knowning where to look. Start with the Disabled Facilities Grant, check whether you qualify for VAT relief or charitable support, and if a grant isn’t the right fit, our reconditioned and finance options keep a quality, fully-fitted stairlift well within reach.
Our friendly team is here to help you work out the most affordable route for your situation. Give us a call on 0800 995 6019 or request a callback and one of our experts will talk you through your options.
We’re with you every step of the way.