Key Takeaways
- Stairlift grants are mainly awarded through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) scheme.
- Eligibility is based on medical need, living situation, and a means test (for adults).
- Children under 18 automatically pass the financial assessment.
- Grants apply to homeowners, private renters, social tenants, and some shared-ownership homes.
- Approval depends on whether a stairlift is necessary, appropriate, and reasonable for your home.
Quick Assessment: Do You Qualify for a Stairlift Grant?
Use this section as a fast, self-check screening tool.
Do you have difficulty using the stairs safely?
This includes:
- Mobility conditions
- Arthritis
- Muscle weakness
- Breathlessness
- Neurological conditions
- Balance issues
- Age-related mobility decline
If yes, you meet the core medical needs requirement.
Do you live full-time in the property needing adaptation?
You qualify if you:
- Own your home
- Rent privately
- Rent from a housing association
- Rent from the council
Landlord permission may be needed, but you can still apply.
Is the stairlift needed to access essential areas of your home?
This includes:
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Main living area
If stairs block access to these spaces, your need is considered essential.
Are you (or the person needing the lift) disabled or living with reduced mobility?
DFGs apply to:
- Older adults
- People with long-term illness
- People with physical disabilities
- People recovering from injury
- Children with mobility needs
- People with neurological or cognitive conditions
“Disability” is broadly defined; you don’t need a formal diagnosis.
For adults: Do you meet the financial criteria?
Adults undergo a means test based on:
- Income
- Savings & capital
- Benefits
- Pension income
- Household income (partners included)
You may receive:
- Full funding
- Partial funding
- No funding (if income is above the threshold)
Children under 18
No means test applies.
Parents automatically qualify for full support if the child meets medical need criteria.
Full Eligibility Criteria Explained
A more detailed breakdown for clarity and completeness.
1. Medical Need (Primary Requirement)
You qualify if using the stairs puts you at risk or limits your independence.
Examples:
- Struggling to climb stairs daily
- Needing someone to assist you
- Living only on one floor due to difficulty
- Being at high risk of falls
- Recent hospital discharge or rehabilitation
Medical letters are helpful but not mandatory.
2. Occupational Therapist (OT) Approval
A council-appointed OT must confirm the stairlift is:
- Necessary
- Appropriate
- Safe
- Suitable for your staircase layout
This is often the decisive step.
3. Property & Living Status
You qualify whether you:
- Own the home
- Rent from a private landlord
- Live in a council or housing association property
- Live in shared ownership homes
Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse adaptations for disability needs.
4. Means Testing (Adults Only)
A council financial assessment determines how much you contribute.
Factors considered:
- Earnings
- Savings over a certain amount
- Benefits received
- Partner’s income
- Pension income
The means test may reduce or remove the amount you receive, but many applicants still qualify for full or partial grants.
5. Property Must Be “Reasonable & Practicable” to Adapt
A stairlift may be refused if:
- The staircase is too narrow
- The property is unsafe for installation
- Major structural work is needed
- You live in a home scheduled for redevelopment
- Cheaper alternatives exist (e.g., a downstairs living arrangement)
Most normal staircases qualify without issue.
Who Often Gets Approved for Stairlift Grants? (Typical Profiles)
Older adults struggling with stairs
Most common approval group.
People recovering from major surgery
Particularly hip, knee, and back surgery.
People with long-term or progressive conditions
E.g., MS, Parkinson’s, COPD, arthritis.
Disabled children
Automatically pass the financial test.
Carers applying on behalf of loved ones
Common when caring for an elderly parent.
Who Usually Does Not Qualify?
While every case varies, grants may be denied if:
- The person can safely use the stairs with minor adaptations
- The property cannot be adapted safely
- The benefits of the stairlift are unclear
- Financial means test indicates high income/savings (adults only)
- A more cost-effective adaptation is recommended
Fast Pre-Assessment Checklist (One Page)
You are likely to qualify if:
- You cannot use the stairs safely
- You need to access essential rooms
- You live full-time in the property
- You have a disability or mobility condition
- The home is suitable for a stairlift
- (Adults) Your income passes the means test
- (Children) No means-testing applies
You may not qualify if:
- The staircase cannot be adapted
- You start the work before approval
- You do not meet the medical mobility criteria
- Income is too high (adults)
FAQs
Do I need a formal diagnosis to qualify?
No, your difficulty using stairs is what matters.
Can renters apply?
Ye, both private and social tenants can apply.
Is the grant guaranteed?
No, but if you meet the criteria and the OT approves, approval is likely.
Can I choose my own stairlift installer?
Sometimes, but some councils have approved supplier lists.
Does the NHS provide stairlifts?
No, but they may support your assessment.