Costs & funding
UK Stairlift Grants: How to Apply for Disabled Facilities Grants
The main source of help is the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), administered by local councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own scheme run by councils. A grant can cover all or part of a stairlift if an occupational therapist agrees it is necessary and appropriate.
Last reviewed:
Help available in each UK nation
| Nation | Scheme | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
| England | Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) | Your local council |
| Wales | Disabled Facilities Grant, plus other local adaptation schemes | Your local council |
| Scotland | Scheme of Assistance for adaptations (no DFG) | Your local council |
| Northern Ireland | Disabled Facilities Grant | Northern Ireland Housing Executive |
Maximum grant amounts and rules differ between nations and are revised from time to time. In England the statutory maximum DFG is £30,000, although councils can use discretionary funding. Check current figures on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab) or your council's website.
Who is eligible
- You, or someone living in your home, is disabled.
- You own the property or are a tenant (private or social), and intend to live there for the grant period — usually five years.
- The council agrees the work is necessary and appropriate to meet the person's needs, and reasonable and practicable for the property.
Means testing
Adult applications are means tested: the council looks at the income and savings of the disabled person and their partner. Depending on the result, you may receive the full grant, a partial grant, or need to contribute. Applications for a disabled child under 18 are not means tested.
The application process
Contact your council
Ask the adult social care or housing team for a home adaptations assessment. A GP can also refer you.
Occupational therapist (OT) assessment
An OT visits to assess mobility needs and recommends adaptations, such as a stairlift.
Means test and application
Complete the council's form and provide income details. Some councils provide a home improvement agency to help.
Quotes and approval
Quotes are obtained for the recommended work. Do not start work before written approval — work done beforehand normally cannot be funded.
Installation and payment
The approved installer fits the stairlift and the council pays them directly, or reimburses you.
Other sources of help
- VAT relief: separate from grants — see stairlift VAT relief.
- Charities and benevolent funds: some trade, armed forces and condition-specific charities help with mobility equipment.
- Social housing tenants: your landlord may arrange adaptations directly.
If you are paying yourself, see the stairlift cost guide and what to expect at a stairlift survey.
Common questions
Can I get a stairlift free on the NHS?
The NHS does not usually supply stairlifts. Funding is normally through your council via a Disabled Facilities Grant or equivalent.
Can I choose my own installer with a grant?
Often yes, provided the installer supplies an acceptable quote and the council approves it. Some councils use preferred contractors.
Ready to take the next step?
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