Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for Stairlifts

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is the main government grant for home adaptations in the UK, and it can help cover the cost of a stairlift. It's provided through your local council, usually after an assessment of your needs.

Quick answer: The DFG is a council grant that can help pay for a stairlift and other home adaptations. It's means-tested for adults (but not for children under 18), usually needs an occupational therapist assessment, and the maximum amount differs across the UK, check with your local council.

What is the Disabled Facilities Grant?

The DFG is a council grant that helps pay for changes to your home so a disabled person can live there safely and independently, including fitting a stairlift. It's available to homeowners and, in many cases, tenants (often with the landlord's agreement).

How much could you get?

The maximum grant differs across the UK, for example, up to £30,000 in England, with different limits in Wales and Northern Ireland, while Scotland runs a separate Scheme of Assistance. These figures change, so check the current amount with your local council or GOV.UK.

Who is eligible?

Broadly, you may qualify if you or someone living in your home is disabled, and the work is judged necessary and appropriate. For adults the grant is means-tested (based on income and savings); grants for a disabled child under 18 are not means-tested. Your council makes the final decision.

How to apply

Contact your local council's home adaptations or home improvement team. They'll usually arrange an occupational therapist assessment to confirm a stairlift is appropriate, then guide you through the application before any work goes ahead. Our guide to help from social services and the council explains the assessment step.

Please note: This is a general guide only. UK Mobility Stairlifts is not a grant provider or government body. Funding schemes, amounts and eligibility rules change and vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Always check the latest details with the official source, such as GOV.UK, your local council, or Citizens Advice, before applying.

Knowing the cost makes it easier to plan any funding. Fill in the form below and Acorn Stairlifts will provide a free, no-obligation quote, with VAT relief applied if you're eligible.

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