Stairlifts Grants & VAT options
Stairlifts Grants for both Northern Ireland and Ireland
Few people know that you can get grants to help you with (and often cover) the cost of a stairlift. We understand that applying for a grant can be stressful, which is why we’ve laid out some information about each grant to help you work out your options.
One thing you should bear in mind is that most grants need to be approved before you start work.
If you want more information about the grants that may be available to you, you should contact your local authority, but we’ve laid out some basic information below. It might be exactly what you’re looking for.
For general advice about stairlift costs, view our guide to stairlift prices.
Stairlifts Grants and VAT options in Ireland
Mobility Aids Grant Scheme
This grant is designed for solutions to mobility problems in the home, for example grab-rails, access ramps or a stairlift.
It’s means-tested to find out if you qualify, and how much help you’ll get. However, you’ll only be eligible if your gross annual income does not exceed €30,000.
You can apply for the grant if you live in:
- Owner-occupied housing
- Houses being purchased from a local authority under the Tenant Purchase Scheme
- Private rented accommodation (the duration of your tenancy can affect grant approval)
- Accommodation provided under the voluntary housing Capital Assistance and Rental Subsidy schemes
- Accommodation occupied by people living in communal residences.
- The most you could get is €6,000. But what you actually get will depend on your household income, the work you want to get done and the funding of your local authority.
To apply, download an application form your local authority’s website or get one posted to you. It’s important you have your tax affairs in order, to be considered for the grant. This is because you need to provide your tax reference number when you apply.
The application comes with a checklist of documents you have to supply with your application, but if you’re not sure or just want some friendly guidance, give us a call and we can help you figure it out.
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
This grant also covers stairlifts and is like the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme in that it:
- Is means tested
- You can apply whether you live in any of the types of accommodation listed above
However, this grant can be bigger, so might be worth considering if you need a curved stair lift.
To apply, download an application form your local authority’s website or get one posted to you. It’s important that you have your tax affairs in order. This is because you need to provide your tax reference number when you apply.
The application comes with a checklist of documents you have to supply when you apply, and you can always call us if you have any questions.
VAT refunds on aids and appliances used by people with disabilities
If you live in Ireland and have a disability, you may get a VAT refund on aids and appliances that you need to help with daily activities (this includes stairlifts). To apply, you’ll need to fill in claim form VAT 61A and attach your invoices, or contact the Central Repayments Office.
Important things to know:
- This refund is not allowed for rented aids and appliances.
- You must make your claim within 4 years of purchasing the aid or appliance.
Stairlifts Grants and VAT options in Northern Ireland
Disabled Facilities Grant
A Disabled Facilities Grant is provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to help improve the home of a person with a disability. You need to get an occupational therapist to recommend that you need this grant, but it covers work that improves access to different areas of your house, so if you’re having trouble getting upstairs, you could be eligible.
This grant is means-tested, but you could get up to £25,000 depending on the work you want to get done in your house. To apply, contact your Local Health Services Trust, your GP or Social Worker, and you should have easy access to all the information you need.
Stairlifts and VAT
Most people are eligible for zero rated VAT when purchasing a stairlift in the UK. There are two types of VAT exemption which provide discounts to people who are chronically ill or have a disability and seniors over 60.
0% VAT – If the person applying suffers from a chronic illness or has a disability, then this total exemption from VAT will cover them for domestic and personal use.
Chronically sick or disabled means:
- A physical or mental impairment, which has a long term and adverse effect upon the ability to fulfil everyday activities. This includes conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, heart conditions etc.
- A condition that is medically certified as a chronic sickness, such as diabetes.
- A person who is terminally ill.
5% VAT relief
If the person applying is over 60, but is NOT eligible for 0% VAT, they can get a reduced rate of 5% VAT for the supply and installation of a stairlift. This reduced rate only applies to stairlifts in domestic circumstances.
Am I eligible to get a VAT discount on a stairlift?
If you would like to check the conditions for VAT relief, you can view notice 701/7 VAT Relief for disabled people on the HM Revenue & Customs website. Or you can call the National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000.
Form to apply for 0% VAT on a stairlift
The person applying must be sure of their VAT relief eligibility before completing the declaration. The products ordered must be for that person only, or installed in a domestic situation.