Can You Get a Stairlift on the NHS?
The short answer is no – you cannot get a stairlift directly through the NHS. However, you may be able to receive help towards the cost of a stairlift through your local council or social services, particularly if an assessment shows that a stairlift is necessary to help you live safely and independently at home. Funding may be available through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) or another local authority scheme. The process will often begin with an assessment of your needs, usually involving an occupational therapist (OT).
Below, we explain how the process works, who may be able to help and what to expect if you approach your local council about getting a stairlift.
Does the NHS pay for a stairlift?
The NHS does not directly provide or pay for stairlifts in your home; instead, the NHS advises people who need home adaptations, including stairlifts, to contact their local council for a home assessment. However, you may be eligible for financial help.
In England, the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can help fund adaptations that make it easier for a disabled person to access essential rooms and facilities, with local councils using stairlift suppliers with suitable accreditations. In England, a DFG can provide up to £30,000, with some councils able to offer additional funding. So, rather than an ‘NHS stairlift’, it is generally more accurate to refer to a council-funded stairlift.
Will social services provide a stairlift?
Social services may be able to help you obtain a stairlift if an assessment finds that one is suitable for your needs. Your local council can arrange a free home assessment, usually with an occupational therapist (OT), which may recommend adaptations such as a stairlift to help you move around your home safely. If a stairlift is recommended, you may be eligible for a DFG.
The council must consider whether the adaptation is necessary and appropriate for your needs and reasonable given the age and condition of the property. If you need a stairlift quickly, it may therefore be worth comparing council funding with the cost for a private installation. It’s worth noting that if you are in need of a stairlift, it’s likely that you will be exempt from paying VAT on the cost of your stairlift. All you’ll need to do is complete a VAT Exemption Form to confirm your medical condition(s) and the product or service you are purchasing to qualify for this VAT relief.
What is an OT assessment?
An OT assessment is carried out by an occupational therapist to understand how safely and independently you can manage everyday activities at home. The OT will discuss tasks you find difficult and observe how you move around your property. If stairs are a problem, they may consider how this affects access to essential rooms, your safety and which adaptations could help.
The assessment is not simply a test of whether you ‘qualify’ for a stairlift; an occupational therapist considers your wider needs before recommending an appropriate solution. This could include a stairlift, handrails, other equipment or changes to your home. It’s important to explain all the difficulties you experience, and you can have a friend, relative or carer with you during the assessment.
How do I get an OT assessment?
If you think that you or a family member may need a stairlift, requesting an occupational therapy or home assessment is usually a sensible first step when seeking help from the council. The process can differ slightly between local authorities, but it will generally look something like this:
- Contact your local council – Contact the adult social services or occupational therapy department of your local authority online or by telephone. The NHS recommends asking your local council’s social services department for an assessment for equipment or home adaptations if you are struggling with everyday tasks or are concerned about falling.
- Explain the difficulties you are experiencing – If you are struggling with your stairs, explain what is happening and how it is affecting your ability to use your home safely. For example, you may be unable to reach an upstairs bathroom or bedroom without assistance, or you may be worried about falling.
- Complete an initial assessment or referral – Your council may ask some initial questions over the telephone or through an online form, allowing them to understand your circumstances and decide what type of assessment or support may be appropriate.
- Arrange your home assessment – Where appropriate, an occupational therapist or trained assessor will visit your home. They will discuss the problems you are experiencing, observe how you use your home and consider what equipment or adaptations could help.
- Discuss the recommended adaptations – Following the assessment, the OT may recommend adaptations to your home. If they believe that a stairlift is necessary and appropriate, this recommendation can form part of the process for obtaining council assistance.
- Apply for funding if required – For larger adaptations, you may need to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant. DFG applications for adults are means tested and are available through your local council. GOV.UK confirms that councils may send an occupational therapist or trained assessor to assess what changes are required.
NHS guidance states that occupational therapy can be accessed through either the NHS or social services depending on the circumstances, and a GP may be able to make a referral. However, if your main purpose is to investigate potential council funding for a stairlift, contacting your local council directly is the most appropriate starting point. We proudly work with several local authorities, including London Borough of Ealing, Guildford Borough Council, Elmbridge Borough Council, Brent Council, Bexley Council, Woking Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Spelthorne Borough Council.
How long is the wait for council help?
There is no standard waiting time for a council-funded stairlift, because it depends on your local authority, demand for assessments, your circumstances and the funding process. For a valid DFG application, the council usually needs to provide a decision within six months; if approved, the grant conditions may require the work to be completed within 12 months. These time limits do not include any waiting period before your formal application is submitted, so make sure you know what to expect when getting a stairlift. If your need for a stairlift is urgent, it is worth comparing the options available to you – the key differences in stairlift purchase routes are displayed below:
| DFG-funded stairlift (via local council) | Privately purchased stairlift | Privately rented stairlift |
|---|---|---|
|
Means-tested application required |
No means-testing, no applications |
No means-testing, no applications |
|
Likely need an OT assessment to qualify |
OT assessment not a requirement |
OT assessment not a requirement |
|
Local council contacts stairlift suppliers for quotes and chooses which to proceed with |
You contact the stairlift suppliers you want to get quotes from and you choose which to proceed with |
You contact and choose the stairlift supplier (NB not every company offers rental) |
|
Potential for long lead times for DFG approval, assessment visits, quote approval and stairlift installation |
Quick turnaround from enquiry to assessment, then to quote, and from order to stairlift install |
Quick turnaround from enquiry to assessment, then to quote, and from order to stairlift install |
|
Financial input from you is either non-existent or minimal |
Fully funded by you with ongoing costs for the duration of the rental |
At Kudos Stairlifts, we understand that deciding how to obtain a stairlift can feel complicated, particularly when you are comparing council funding with purchasing privately. A good stairlift supplier should take the time to explain the options available, assess the staircase properly and help you understand which type of stairlift is most suitable for your home. Whether you are beginning the process of speaking to social services or would simply like to understand your private stairlift options, knowing what to consider when looking for a stairlift can help you make the right decision for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to repay a Disabled Facilities Grant?
If your grant is more than £5,000 and you own your home, your council can place a charge on the property. If you sell within ten years, it may reclaim the amount above £5,000, up to a maximum of £10,000. Grants of £5,000 or less carry no repayment condition, and your council must consider your circumstances before asking for repayment.
Can I get help if I rent my home rather than own it?
As long as you have permission from your landlord and/or property manager to have a stairlift installed, and you adhere to any agreed terms, there is no reason you cannot apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to help with the cost of a stairlift.
Is there VAT relief on a stairlift?
You are likely to be exempt from paying VAT on a stairlift if you have a physical and/or medical need for mobility aids to make your independent daily living at home more manageable.
What are my options if I don't qualify for a DFG?
Even without a DFG, there are various options for help when privately buying a stairlift, even if not financially. Ask your local council for their recommended stairlift suppliers, and find out what payment terms or finance options those suppliers may offer.
Contact our Client Focus Team today to discuss how a stairlift can improve and protect the quality of life for you and your family.
Choose from a range of industry-leading curved or straight stairlifts, suitable for almost any staircase and expertly installed by our own engineers.
Call us now on 0800 1522400 to arrange your free, no obligation survey and quote, or to ask any questions you may have.
