How to Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant for a Stairlift

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

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Key Takeaways

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can cover some or all of the cost of a stairlift.
Applications go through your local council, not the NHS.
You must complete a needs assessment, usually with an occupational therapist (OT).
Adults are means-tested, but children under 18 are not.
Approval can take weeks or months. Applications must be approved before any work starts.

What Is a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)?

A Disabled Facilities Grant is government funding offered through local councils to help people with disabilities or mobility issues stay safe and independent at home.
Stairlifts are one of the most common adaptations approved.

The grant can pay for:

Straight stairlifts
Curved stairlifts
Outdoor stairlifts
Installation and electrical work
Removal of an old stairlift, if necessary

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a DFG for a Stairlift

A complete breakdown of the full process from start to finish.

1. Check Basic Eligibility

To qualify, the person needing the stairlift must:

Have a disability, long-term illness, reduced mobility, or age-related difficulty
Live in the property full-time
Need a stairlift to access essential rooms (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen)

You can apply if you:

Own your home
Rent privately
Rent from a council or housing association

Children under 18: Not means-tested families may receive the full amount.

2. Contact Your Local Council

You can apply online or by phone via your local council’s Housing Adaptations or Home Improvement team.

They will:

Open your application
Explain what documents you need
Arrange a needs assessment

3. Book a Needs Assessment (Usually With an OT)

A home assessment is required to confirm that a stairlift is necessary and appropriate.

An occupational therapist (or adaptations officer) will:

Assess mobility and safety needs
Check the stair layout and suitability
Recommend the type of stairlift required
Confirm that the adaptation will help you live safely

Their report is essential to advancing your application.

4. Complete the Financial Assessment (Adults Only)

For adults, the council will review:

Income
Savings
Pensions
Benefits received
Any partner’s income

This determines:

Whether you receive full funding
A partial contribution
Or no funding (in some cases)

Note: Children’s stairlifts are not means-tested.

5. Get Quotes for the Stairlift

Most councils require two written quotes from approved stairlift installers.

Quotes should include:

Survey results
Stairlift type (straight or curved)
Installation costs
Electrical needs
Removal of old equipment (if relevant)
Warranty information

Some councils arrange their own quotes, but costs vary by location.

6. Council Reviews & Approves the Grant

The council will look at:

Your eligibility
OT recommendation
Your financial assessment
The quotes from installers

Once approved, the council issues written confirmation of the grant amount and next steps.

Important:
You must not start any work before receiving written approval, or funding may be withdrawn.

7. Stairlift Installation

After approval:

The stairlift installer books a fitting date
Engineers install the lift
Minor electrical adjustments may be made
A test run ensures it’s safe

Installation usually takes:

1–2 hours for straight stairlifts
2–4 hours for curved stairlifts

8. Post-Installation Checks & Documentation

Once fitted:

The council may revisit for a final inspection
You receive the warranty and the user manual
Any contribution you owe is paid directly to the installer or council

How Much Can a DFG Cover?

Up to £30,000 in England
Up to £36,000 in Wales
Scotland uses a different adaptation system
Northern Ireland offers similar support via the Housing Executive

Many stairlifts fall well within these limits, especially straight models.

How Long Does a DFG Application Take?

Timelines vary by council, but typically:

Initial contact → 1–2 weeks
OT assessment → 2–8 weeks
Financial assessment → 1–4 weeks
Approval → Up to 6 months (legally)
Installation → Usually within 1–2 weeks after approval

Tips to Speed Up Your Application

Provide medical evidence early (GP letters, hospital notes)
Submit all financial documents promptly
Respond quickly to council enquiries
Get quotes as soon as you’re instructed
Keep records of every communication

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting work before approval
Submitting incomplete financial info
Using a non-approved installer (if the council requires approved suppliers)
Not getting multiple quotes when required

Frequently Asked Questions

Can landlords refuse a stairlift?

They can object, but councils often negotiate solutions. Private landlords must not unreasonably refuse disability adaptations.

Will I get the full cost covered?

Yes, if you qualify, though adults may need to contribute based on means-testing.

Can a tenant apply?

Yes. Both private and social tenants can apply.

Can a curved stairlift be funded?

Yes, DFGs routinely fund curved stairlifts when needed.

Is it faster to pay privately?

Yes, but you lose access to free funding. Many people choose a private installation only when delays are risky.