Financing a stairlift & stairlift grants

If you are considering financing a stairlift in your home, this guide will be able to answer any questions you may have. Including discussing financial assistance like stairlift grants, options for free stairlifts and getting a stairlift from social services.

If you are worried about how much a stairlift costs, financial aid can help you cover the cost of a stairlift and make a big difference to the quality of life with this often-essential equipment.

FAQs

• Grants for stairlifts

• Are there stairlift grants available?
• Can I get a stairlift grant?
• Which companies offer stairlift grants?

• Free stairlifts

• Are there free stairlifts available?
• How do you qualify for a free stairlift?

• Social services stairlifts

• Are there stairlifts available from social services?
• How to get a stairlift from social services?
• Which companies can help with getting a stairlift from social services?

Grants for stairlifts

There are grants available to help with the cost of purchasing a stairlift. If you, a family member, or friend is in need of a stair lift but worried about covering the cost of it, there may be the option to benefit from a grant.

Are there stairlift grants available?

Yes, there are stairlift grants in the UK which are available. These grants can come from a number of sources; the government, charities, local authorities and other organisations. For those that qualify, a grant can mean the difference between independent living and not feeling comfortable in your own home. Not everyone will qualify for a grant, but it is worth doing the research to find out if you do before discounting the possibility of a purchase. With grants, you can not only pay for the model, but you can also get the stairlift installed too.

Can I get a stairlift grant?

As previously mentioned, not everyone is eligible for stairlift grants. Depending on who provides the funding, different criteria must be met to be eligible. Read our summary of some of the companies offering grants below to find out individual criteria.

• The Disabled Facilities Grant
• The Edward Hostling Foundation
• Margaret’s Fund
• Independence at Home
• RABI- Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution
• SSAFA- The Armed Forces Charity

The Disabled Facilities Grant

The Disabled Facilities Grant (sometimes referred to simply as the DFG) is a government issued grant in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was created to help disabled people who need to make alterations to their homes due to physical limitations. The grant has a value of up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. If you are based in Scotland, we suggest contacting Age Scotland to discuss the grants available where you are.

The amount you are eligible to receive from the DFG depends on various factors like household income and household savings. Therefore, it’s worth being aware that even if you are eligible for the DFG, you may not be eligible for the maximum sum.

To apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), pick up an application form from your local council office. Before you do that, you’ll need written estimates from two stairlift companies. Companion Stairlifts can provide one with a free home assessment.

The Edward Gostling Foundation

If you have successfully applied for a Disabled Facilities Grant, but still require additional financial support, you can reach out to The Edward Gostling Foundation (previously The ACT Foundation). A stairlift grant from The Edward Gostling Foundation can be up to £2,500 but can go a long way on top of a DFG to fund straight or curved stairlifts.

To apply for a grant from The Edward Gostling Foundation to help you buy a stairlift, you need to use their online grant application form.

Margaret’s Fund

If you have been assessed by an occupational therapist or referred through another professional like a health or social care worker, you may be able to receive a grant from Margaret’s Fund. A charity set up in 1927, Margaret’s Fund was specifically created to support women in ill health. You can apply for funds on their website.

Independence at Home

Independence at Home is able to offer grants of up to £2,000 through social services and it is a popular choice for people looking for stairlifts grants. This grant must be applied for through social services, like a health or social care worker. There is a lot of information on how to apply for your referrer on their site.

RABI- Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

If you are from a farming family in the UK, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) may be able to offer you a stairlift grant or even cover the cost of a stairlift completely. To discuss this further, call them on 01865 724 931.

SSAFA- The Armed Forces Charity

SSAFA- The Armed Forces Charity, are able to provide stairlift grants to those who have served in the armed forces. Fill in their online contact form to start a conversation about how they may be able to help you.

Free stairlifts

If you need to make home adaptations or home improvements because you are a disabled person who wants to improve your quality of life, or you struggle with low mobility and want to continue independent living, there are occasions where free alterations and products can be supplied to help you.

Are there free stairlifts available?

Yes, it is possible to get a free stairlift through financial aid. Although there is no way to simply apply for a ‘free stairlift’. You can apply for financial grants which will cover all of or part of the cost. If you find you are able to get a grant, but not enough to cover a new stairlift, looking at cheaper options like reconditioned stairlifts is a good idea.  

How do you qualify for a free stairlift?

To get a stairlift for free you will need to get the cost covered by the government, a charity or another organisation. Read our list of charities that offer stairlift grants to find out more information about what’s on offer and how you can apply.

Social services stairlifts

It is possible to receive a grant through social services or local authorities which can cover, or help cover, the cost of a stairlift.

Are there stairlifts available from social services?

Yes, although it’s not social services or local authorities themselves who pay for an issued stairlift, they are able to refer you to charities and organisations who do, and their referrals can go a long way towards helping get a grant.

How to get a stairlift from social services?

In order to get a stairlift from social services, talk to your local council, health or social care worker to discuss your options. For the charities and organisations that work with social services there are different application processes, so being aware of those can help you a lot.

Which companies can help with getting a stairlift from social services?

Some of the companies that can specifically help with getting a stairlift from social services are:

• The Disabled Facilities Grant
• Margaret’s Fund
• Independence at Home

Read our list of charities that offer stairlift grants to find out more about how to apply for a grant through these companies.

Next Page: How are stairlifts installed?