Can You Get a Stairlift on the NHS?

By Stairlift Price Watch Editorial Team Published 3 April 2026 · Updated 3 April 2026 5 min read

The short answer is no — the NHS does not directly fund or provide stairlifts.

However, the NHS plays an important role in helping you access stairlift funding. Understanding what the NHS does and does not do can save you weeks of confusion.

What the NHS Does NOT Do

  • The NHS does not purchase stairlifts
  • The NHS does not have a stairlift budget
  • The NHS does not install stairlifts in people’s homes
  • You cannot get a stairlift “on the NHS” in the way you get a prescription or a hip replacement

What the NHS DOES Do

The NHS helps you access stairlift funding in two important ways:

1. Occupational Therapist Assessment

NHS occupational therapists (OTs) assess whether you need home adaptations. This assessment is free and is a required step in the Disabled Facilities Grant application process.

To get an OT assessment:

  • Ask your GP for a referral to occupational therapy
  • Contact your council directly — they can arrange the assessment
  • The OT visits your home, assesses your mobility, and recommends specific adaptations

2. Hospital Discharge Referrals

If you or a family member is in hospital (after a fall, hip replacement, stroke, or other event), the hospital discharge team can:

  • Arrange an urgent OT assessment before discharge
  • Fast-track the DFG process — hospital referrals are often prioritised
  • Provide temporary equipment while longer-term solutions are arranged

Tip: If your parent is in hospital, ask the discharge team specifically about home adaptation referrals. Do not wait until after discharge — the process starts faster from within the hospital system.

The Confusion Explained

The confusion between “NHS stairlifts” and reality exists because:

  1. NHS OTs recommend stairlifts — but the funding comes from local councils, not the NHS
  2. Social services are sometimes confused with the NHS — they are separate organisations
  3. Some companies market “NHS stairlifts” — this is misleading; they mean “stairlifts that NHS patients can get via DFG”

What to Do Next

  1. Ask your GP for an occupational therapy referral, or contact your council directly
  2. Apply for a DFG — the main funding route for stairlifts. Complete DFG guide
  3. Know the costs — understand what stairlifts actually cost before speaking to any company
  4. Check if you qualify for free — some people get fully funded stairlifts via DFG. Free stairlifts guide