Help & advice
VAT relief on stairlifts and mobility aids
If you have a long-term illness or disability, you may not have to pay VAT on stairlifts, scooters, riser recliners, adjustable beds and many other mobility products. It’s easy to claim and we’ll help you.
Who can get VAT relief?
HMRC lets you buy eligible products without VAT if they are for your own personal or household use and you are “chronically sick or disabled”. This includes people who have:
- A physical or mental impairment with a long-term effect on everyday activities
- A condition HMRC treats as a chronic sickness, such as diabetes
- A terminal illness
You don’t need a certificate from your doctor. You simply sign a short declaration with your details and your condition, and we keep it on file.
What isn’t covered
VAT relief isn’t available just because of age, or for a short-term injury, such as a broken leg.
Aged 60 or over?
If you’re 60 or over but not disabled, you may still pay a reduced 5% VAT rate, rather than the usual 20%, on a stairlift that we supply and fit in your home. You sign a separate declaration for this.
Which products qualify?
- Stairlifts, including fitting, repairs and servicing
- Mobility scooters and powerchairs
- Riser recliner chairs and adjustable beds
- Wheelchairs, bath lifts and many other daily living aids
If you’re not sure whether a product qualifies, call us and we’ll check.
Questions
VAT relief questions
Can’t see your question? Our friendly team is happy to help.
Monday to Friday 9am–5pm
Do I need a letter from my doctor to claim VAT relief?
No. You sign a simple declaration saying you are chronically sick or disabled. HMRC doesn’t issue certificates.
Can I claim VAT relief because I’m over 60?
Age alone doesn’t qualify for full VAT relief. But if you’re 60 or over, you may pay a reduced 5% VAT rate on a stairlift we supply and fit in your home.
Is stairlift repair and servicing VAT free?
If you’re eligible for VAT relief, repairs and servicing of your stairlift can also be zero-rated.
Can someone else sign the declaration for me?
If you can’t sign it yourself, a parent, guardian, doctor or another responsible person can sign on your behalf.
Ask us about VAT relief
Tell us what you need and we’ll call you back, usually the same working day. Prefer to talk now? Call our head office.
Monday to Friday 9am–5pm · Saturday 9:30am–1:30pm
