How to apply for a council stairlift grant
Phone your council’s adult social care team and ask for an occupational therapy assessment for a stairlift. In Northern Ireland the referral goes through your local Health and Social Care Trust, and the Housing Executive pays the grant. The occupational therapist’s recommendation is what starts a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) application. Adults are then means-tested, children under 18 are not, and the council has up to six months to decide once your application is complete.
| Nation | Maximum grant | Who you apply to |
|---|---|---|
| England | £30,000, and many councils publish a top-up above it | Your district, borough or unitary council |
| Wales | £36,000 | Your local authority |
| Northern Ireland | £35,000, up to £70,000 at the Housing Executive’s discretion | Health and Social Care Trust OT, then the Housing Executive |
| Scotland | No DFG. A Scheme of Assistance grant of at least 80% of the approved cost, 100% for people on certain benefits | Your local council |
Northern Ireland’s limit rose from £25,000 to £35,000 on 1 February 2023 (S.R. 2023 No. 2, amending S.R. 2003 No. 463, article 2(1)(b)). The £25,000 still printed in that order is the renovation grant ceiling, a different grant, which is why the older figure keeps resurfacing. The England and Wales limits are set by the Disabled Facilities Grants (Maximum Amounts and Additional Purposes) Orders of 2008. Figures checked against the legislation in August 2026.
The £30,000 English limit is not the ceiling everywhere. When we read the housing assistance policies of 34 English city councils, 20 published a route above it, though top-ups are often repayable in full. You can look yours up in our council DFG top-up table, and see how much DFG money your council was given for 2026-27 in our DFG funding by council dataset, where 139 of 296 English councils were held at exactly last year’s cash.
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.
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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 to 2 hours for straight stairlifts
- 2 to 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
- Up to £35,000 in Northern Ireland, through the Housing Executive
Many stairlifts fall well within these limits, especially straight models.
What would your stairs cost?
The price depends on your staircase. Compare real quotes for your home from up to 3 local installers.
How Long Does a DFG Application Take?
Timelines vary by council, but typically:
- Initial contact → 1 to 2 weeks
- OT assessment → 2 to 8 weeks
- Financial assessment → 1 to 4 weeks
- Approval → Up to 6 months (legally)
- Installation → Usually within 1 to 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
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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.
Before you fill anything in, it is worth knowing what the financial assessment will look at. See the DFG means test and savings, and what your council has to spend this year.
Read More About Stairlift Grants & Funding
- Stairlift Funding Options in the UK: Complete 2026 Guide
- Who Qualifies for a Stairlift Grant? Quick Assessment Guide
- How Long Does a Stairlift Grant Application Take?
- Private Grants and Charities That Help Fund Stairlifts
