Private Grants and Charities That Help Fund Stairlifts

Last Updated on December 12, 2025

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Key Takeaways

Several UK charities and non-profits offer grants or partial funding for stairlifts, especially for older adults or people with disabilities.
Most programs are means-tested and require proof of financial need.
Support can come from national charities, local grant-making trusts, and disease-specific organisations.
Alternative help includes local council disabled facilities grants, interest-free loans, and second-hand stairlift schemes.

Which private grants help fund stairlifts? (Short answer)

In the UK, the main private organisations that help fund stairlifts include Turn2Us grant-making charities, Independence at Home, Elizabeth Finn Fund, The ACT Foundation, and many local community trusts. Eligibility depends on income, health condition, and your local area.

Charities and Private Grants That Help With Stairlift Costs

Below is a structured, scannable breakdown of the major sources of support.

1. Independence at Home

What they fund: Mobility equipment, including stairlifts.
Who qualifies:

People with long-term illnesses or disability
Demonstrated low income and clear financial hardship

Typical award: £200–£600
Notes: Highly reputable, frequently cited by social care organisations.

2. Turn2Us Grant-Making Charities

Turn2Us is a national grant search platform that lists hundreds of small trusts that provide funding for home adaptations.

Why it matters:

Many stairlift-friendly grants come from small, specialised funds (e.g., regional trusts, occupational charities).
Some are open only to certain professions (ex-military, teachers, service workers).

Typical award: Varies from £100 to £2,500 depending on the charity.

3. The ACT Foundation

Supports: Adaptations that improve independence, including stairlifts.
Eligibility:

Low-income household
Clear medical need
Often supports cases where statutory help falls short

Typical award: Up to several thousand pounds.

4. Elizabeth Finn Fund (Turn2Us)

Who it’s for: People with a professional or educated background who are now on a low income.
Funding examples: Home adaptations, mobility aids, and living-cost assistance.

Typical award: £500–£2,000.

5. Royal British Legion (for veterans)

Support type: Mobility equipment and home adaptation grants.
Eligibility:

Serving personnel, veterans, and their dependents
Means-tested

Typical award: Often several hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on need.

6. SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity

Supports: Veterans and their families who cannot afford essential adaptations.
Relevance: Frequently quoted by NHS and council welfare teams.

7. B&Q Foundation Grants

Focus: Home repairs and accessibility modifications via partner charities.
Note: Does not typically fund individuals directly, but may support stairlift funding when applied through a partner organisation.

8. Local Community and County-Based Trusts

Examples include:

Rotary Clubs
Livery Companies
County or parish charities
Hospital-linked benevolent funds

These trusts often have flexible criteria and can provide emergency funding quickly.

Disease-Specific Charities That Sometimes Fund Stairlifts

These organisations help when a stairlift is needed due to a specific medical condition.

Multiple Sclerosis Society

May contribute to mobility equipment when statutory funding is unavailable.

Parkinson’s UK

Provides welfare grants through local branches.

Macmillan Cancer Support

While not stairlift-specific, they do offer hardship grants that may help towards home accessibility.

Motor Neurone Disease Association

Known for fast-track support for urgent mobility needs.

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

Charity/Grant	Typical Funding Range	Notes
Independence at Home	£200–£600	For low-income applicants
ACT Foundation	£500–£3,000+	Often fills gaps after council DFG
Elizabeth Finn Fund	£500–£2,000	For those with a professional background
Veterans Charities (RBL, SSAFA)	£500–£5,000	Case-based support
Local trusts	£50–£1,500	Varies widely

What Other Financial Help Is Available for Stairlifts?

Private grants often work alongside statutory support.

1. Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

A local authority grant offering up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland.

2. Charitable Loans

Some organisations offer interest-free loans where grants aren’t available.

3. Recycled Stairlift Schemes

Local charities sometimes supply refurbished stairlifts at discounted costs.

How to Improve Your Chance of Approval

Provide a recent occupational therapist (OT) assessment.
Show clear evidence of financial hardship (benefits statements, bank statements).
When applying to multiple smaller trusts, success rates are higher than when relying on a single big fund.
Include letters outlining medical need, safety risks, and independence improvements.

Conclusion

Stairlifts can be expensive, but many UK charities and private grant-making organisations offer real financial support, especially when combined with local council funding. Applying early, gathering the right documentation, and combining grant sources gives you the best chance of receiving help.