Stairlift grants in the UK
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a Disabled Facilities Grant from the council can pay for a stairlift, and disabled people pay no VAT on one. Scotland has its own support for adaptations.
Updated Oct 21, 2026
What you can get
Grant
Disabled Facilities Grant
up to £30,000
- Who can get it
- Disabled people who need changes to their home, owners and tenants (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Not available in Scotland, which has its own support for adaptations.
- What it covers
- Adaptations such as a stairlift. Up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland; some councils pay more. Usually means-tested on household income and savings above £6,000; not for disabled children under 18.
- Where to apply
- Your local council (housing or social services); an occupational therapist usually assesses the need.
Sources: GOV.UK, checked Oct 21, 2026 · GOV.UK, checked Oct 21, 2026
VAT relief
VAT relief for disabled people
- Who can get it
- People with a physical or mental impairment that affects everyday activities, a chronic illness or a terminal illness. Being older without a disability does not qualify.
- What it covers
- No VAT on a stairlift designed or adapted for a disability, its installation, repairs, maintenance and spare parts. You confirm eligibility in writing to the supplier.
- Where to apply
- Sign the supplier's eligibility declaration before you buy.
Sources: GOV.UK, checked Oct 21, 2026
How to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant
- Contact your council (housing or social services) and ask for an assessment.
- An occupational therapist usually visits to assess what is needed.
- The council means-tests household income and savings above £6,000 (not for disabled children under 18).
- Get the council's approval before the work starts. The grant can be paid in instalments or when the work is finished.
GOV.UK states that a Disabled Facilities Grant does not affect any benefits you get.
VAT relief
If the user has a qualifying disability, the stairlift, its installation, repairs and maintenance are zero-rated for VAT. You sign a declaration for the supplier before buying. Being older without a disability does not qualify.
Prices
Typical prices in United Kingdom
GBP
| What | Price range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Straight stairlift | £2,000 – £5,000 Which? owner survey: from about £2,000; 86% paid £5,000 or less (average £3,501 in 2020, £3,867 in 2022). Stannah straight models from £3,585 with a two-year warranty. | Which? owner survey: from about £2,000; 86% paid £5,000 or less (average £3,501 in 2020, £3,867 in 2022). Stannah straight models from £3,585 with a two-year warranty. |
| Curved stairlift | from £7,000 Which?: curved or long staircases cost £7,000 or more. Stannah curved models from £7,134. | Which?: curved or long staircases cost £7,000 or more. Stannah curved models from £7,134. |
| Reconditioned straight stairlift | from £2,831 Reconditioned Stannah Siena for a straight stair, with installation, a one-year warranty and one service. | Reconditioned Stannah Siena for a straight stair, with installation, a one-year warranty and one service. |
Disabled people pay no VAT on a stairlift, its installation and repairs (GOV.UK).
Sources: Which? (2020-09), checked Oct 21, 2026 · Stannah (UK), checked Oct 21, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Disabled Facilities Grant?
Up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland, depending on a means test; some councils pay more. It is not available in Scotland.
Do pensioners get free stairlifts in the UK?
Not automatically. A means-tested Disabled Facilities Grant can cover all or part of the cost after an assessment; disabled people also pay no VAT.
How long does a Disabled Facilities Grant take?
It varies by council; the assessment and approval come before the work. Ask your council for its current waiting times.
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