Stairlifts are not inexpensive; a new one may cost up to £4,000 or more. Buying one is thus a significant decision. However, the advantages, especially in terms of recovering freedom, are immeasurable; thus, everybody who may benefit from a stairlift should be able to obtain one.
If you have mobility issues and want to live life on your own terms, a stairlift is a terrific option. It means you can keep doing the things you love, avoid falls and injuries, and enhance your general health and well-being.
A stairlift may appear to be too expensive. However, with so many various alternatives, there are several ways to finance a stairlift.
Look Into a VAT Exemption
The cost of new stairlifts in Oxford can be reduced by taking advantage of a VAT reduction. It’s crucial to understand that chronically sick and handicapped persons and seniors over 60 are eligible for two types of VAT exemptions.
If you are chronically ill or disabled, and you are purchasing a stairlift for personal use, you may be entitled to pay no VAT at all. If you are over 60 and do not qualify for 0% VAT, you may be eligible for a reduced rate of 5% VAT. This is only true if the stairlift is being used in the home.
A straight stairlift, for example, costs £1,690, so a 5% VAT exemption would save you £85. You would save £295 on a more expensive curved stairlift type, costing £5,590.
Before submitting the declaration, the individual requesting VAT relief must be certain of their VAT exemption eligibility.
Apply for Disabled Facilities Grants
In England, local councils and authorities provide means-tested subsidies to aid with the cost of house modifications, which are known as Disabled Facilities Grants or DFG. They are given to those with impairments or limited mobility who require home improvements to improve their quality of life.
A house evaluation is free, and your local council will inspect your property and provide recommendations for improvements. The amount of money you get as a grant is normally determined by a financial evaluation of your family income, often known as a “means test.”
Before you may be considered for a DFG, you must satisfy certain criteria. Several criteria will apply, including that your proposed changes are truly essential based on your medical requirements. It’s crucial to understand that determining if your application has been granted might take many months.
Different local governments provide a variety of additional programs to help persons with impairments or restricted mobility stay at home. Requesting a needs assessment from your local government, as with the DFG, should always be the first step.