Is It Possible To Get A Grant Or Discount For A Stair Lift?

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When you arrive at the moment you or someone you love requires a stair lift, you need as much financial support as possible. You might not appreciate the help available, so looking through our comprehensive guide for places of support might just be what you need.

In the UK, there are several options for financial assistance to help with the cost of purchasing and installing a stair lift.

Here Are Some Ways You Can Seek Financial Support

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

This is a government grant for disabled people to make changes to their home, including the installation of stairlifts. You can apply through your local council to see if you qualify. The amount you can receive depends on your household income and savings, up to:
£30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Scotland.

The Disabled facilities grants is important support for those who need it. It is worth it to see if you are eligible.

• VAT Relief: If the stair lift is for personal use and the user has a long-term illness or is disabled, you might not have to pay VAT on the purchase and installation of the stair lift.
• Council Funding: Some local councils offer additional funding or loan schemes outside of the DFG. It’s worth contacting your local council to find out what they offer.
• Charitable Grants: There are various charities and trusts that may offer grants to individuals for home adaptations, including stairlifts. Charities like Age UK, Independence at Home, and the MS Society can sometimes provide grants or financial aid.
• Social Services: If you’re receiving care from social services, they may be able to help with the cost depending on your circumstances.
• Community Care Grants: If you’re on certain benefits, you might be eligible for a Community Care Grant.
• Flexible Payment Options: Some stair lift providers offer financing options to spread the cost of the stair lift over time. But you need to be careful you are not paying a high rate of interest, just to get the monthly cost down.

Reconditioned Stairlifts

A reconditioned stairlift is a previously owned and used stairlift that has been expertly refurbished to function and look like new. At our warehouse, every reconditioned stairlift undergoes a thorough restoration process and rigorous safety testing to ensure top-quality performance and reliability.

Purchasing a reconditioned stair lift from a reputable provider can also be a way to save money whilst not seeing much of a change in performance or quality.

Trade-Ins

If you already have an old stair lift, some companies might offer a trade-in discount on a new purchase.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Although primarily for improving home energy efficiency, in some cases, the ECO can offer support for those needing home adaptations due to disability.

When Seeking Financial Assistance, It’s Important To Do The Following:

• Assess Eligibility: Check the criteria for each type of support to ensure you qualify.
• Apply Early: Some grants and funds have limited budgets and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply BEFORE you purchase your stair lift as often grants cannot be offered after you have already purchased the item.
• Get Professional Advice: Your GP or an occupational therapist can assess your needs and help support your application for funding.
• Keep All Documentation: Have all relevant medical and financial information on hand as you may need to provide evidence of eligibility.

Other Financial Options

If you are struggling to get a grant or are not eligible for one, at Senior Stairlifts we have two alternative options for you.

The first option is a reconditioned stairlift. At Senior Stairlifts, we offer high-quality reconditioned stairlifts—previously used models that have been carefully restored. We remove old or unused stairlifts, bring them to our warehouse, and meticulously test, clean, and refurbish them to ensure they’re in ‘like new’ condition, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution.

Alternatively, we offer flexible stairlift finance and are proud to be one of the few companies in the UK providing this option. Through our partnership with Snap Finance, we make it easier for you to purchase a new or reconditioned stairlift by spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments—so you don’t have to worry about paying everything upfront.

Why Are Stairlifts Expensive?

There is no set cost for a stairlift because each one will be customised to fit your staircase and your needs. Stairlifts are expensive due to a combination of customisation, engineering, installation, and market factors. Many stairlifts must be custom-built to fit specific staircases, especially curved or spiral designs, which increases manufacturing and installation costs. They also require high-quality materials, precision engineers, and essential safety features like seat belts, obstruction sensors, and emergency stop mechanisms.

Stairlifts must meet strict safety and accessibility regulations, requiring rigorous testing and certification. Since they serve a niche market, manufacturers cannot produce them at the same scale as mass-market items, leading to higher prices. Different brands also have different costs and reputations in terms of the lifts they sell, they may be higher quality or offer different features.

If you’re looking to save, we offer reconditioned stairlifts and also stairlift finance. Give our friendly team a call today to find out more.

In Summary

It’s advisable to explore all possible options and apply to any that you might be eligible for to get the financial support you need for a stair lift. In some instances you may get multiple contributions from different providers, reducing the cost to you of ownership of your stair lift.

If you would like further advice when it comes to looking for financial help for a Stair lift in the UK, you can contact Senior Stairlifts & an expert will assist you with coming to a decision on what path will be right for you.