Disabled Facilities Grant for Stairlifts

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can cover up to £30,000 in England towards the cost of a stairlift. It is the main source of government funding for home adaptations in the UK.

The DFG budget for 2025-26 is £761 million (including a £50 million uplift announced January 2026), and around 60,000 people receive adaptations funding each year.

Maximum Grant by Region

Region	Maximum Grant	Notes
England	£30,000	Means-tested
Wales	£36,000	Means test removed for small/medium adaptations
Scotland	80-100% of cost	Scheme of Assistance, varies by council
Northern Ireland	£35,000	Since February 2023; up to £70,000 in exceptional circumstances

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if:

• You are disabled — assessed by an occupational therapist (OT). You do not need to be registered as disabled. There is no formal disability registration required
• You own or rent your home — owner-occupiers, tenants (including council and housing association tenants), and landlords on behalf of tenants can apply
• The adaptation is necessary — confirmed by an OT assessment
• You pass the means test (England and some Wales cases)

The Means Test

In England, the DFG is means-tested:

• Savings threshold: If your savings exceed £6,000, the excess affects your grant
• Income assessed: Your income (and partner’s income if applicable) is assessed against a formula
• Under-18 or on certain benefits: The means test is automatically passed

The means test determines your contribution, not whether you qualify. Even if you have to contribute, the grant still reduces what you pay.

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Contact your local council — call their housing or environmental health department and ask about Disabled Facilities Grants
2. Get an OT assessment — the council will arrange a free occupational therapist assessment. The OT visits your home and recommends specific adaptations
3. Means test — the council assesses your financial circumstances
4. Grant decision — the council approves or rejects your application
5. Get quotes — you (or the council) obtain quotes from approved contractors
6. Work is completed — the stairlift is installed
7. Grant is paid — usually directly to the contractor

Critical rule: You cannot apply retrospectively. The grant must be approved before work begins. If you buy a stairlift first and then apply, your application will be rejected.

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline varies significantly by council:

• OT assessment: 2-8 weeks (sometimes longer)
• Means test and decision: 2-6 weeks
• Total from application to installation: typically 2-6 months

Some councils have significant backlogs. If the wait is long, consider renting a stairlift as a bridge while your application is processed.

Common Reasons for Rejection and How to Appeal

• Means test contribution too high — you can still proceed; the grant covers the remainder
• OT assessment disagrees — you can request a second assessment or appeal
• Work already completed — this cannot be overturned; apply before purchasing

You have a legal right to appeal a DFG decision. Contact your council’s complaints department or Citizens Advice for support.

Combine DFG with VAT Relief

If you receive a DFG, you can also claim VAT relief. This means the grant covers the VAT-reduced price, effectively stretching your grant further.

Know the Real Costs

Before applying, understand what stairlifts actually cost so you can judge whether the grant will cover the full amount. See current stairlift prices.