Stairlift Grants & Schemes

We’ve put together some information on what stairlift grants and schemes that are available in Ireland.

Most people aren’t the in the position to throw out thousands of euro for a brand new stairlift, however there are options and incentives available for people who need one.

The government provide (means tested) grants through the local authority for people who qualify, however if you need a stairlift in a hurry then the grant option may be too long.

Alternatively, if you’re paying privately for a new stairlift, all users with a PPS number and a valid illness (Arthritis, Heart Issues etc) can claim back the VAT paid on new stairlifts. Additionally if a user is also a tax payer, they can also claim 20% of the net cost of their stairlift under their yearly medical expenses with Revenue.

Continue reading to find out more information on each scheme that’s on offer.

Stair Lift Grants

Local authority grants can cover up to 100% the cost of a new stairlift.

Mobility Aids Grant

Up To €6,000 Grant

The Mobility Aids Grant covers up to €6,000 for basic works in your house relating to mobility. This can generally cover 100% of the costs of the works needed and eligible applicants need to have a household income less than €30,000 a year.

Normally stairlifts would fall within the threshold of the Mobility Aids Grant due to stairlifts usually costing less than the grant amount needed.

This is the most popular choice amongst customers.

Housing Adapatation Grant

Up To €30,000 Grant

The Housing Adaptation Grant covers up to €30,000 for works in your house relating to your mobility. This can generally cover 95% of the costs of the works needed and eligible applicants need to have a household income less than €60,000 a year.

This grant is more suitable for people who are either requiring more than just a stairlift or where the cost of the stairlift is going to be above the Mobility Aids Grant threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

We cover all the common questions relating to the stairlift grants available

Q. Which of the 2 types of grant do I need to apply for?
A. This depends on many factors, if you’re just needing a stairlift then most of the time it would fall under the Mobility Aids grant. However, if your stairs is complex and you need a custom made stairlift then it’s most likely the price would fall outside the Mobility Aids grant limit. It’s also worth noting too if you’re getting other modifications done to the house then it’s better to apply for the Housing Adaptation Grant which has a €30,000 limit.

Q. How long does it take to get approved for a stairlift grant?
A. Generally the grant application can take anywhere from a few months to 9 months in some cases. It all depends on the local authority you’re dealing with and processing speed.

Q. Can I buy the stairlift myself and apply for the grant afterwards?
A. Absolutely not! You should not commence any works without prior approval for the grant. The local authority will exclude you if you decide to buy the stairlift yourself.

Q. Do I need a doctors report or any recommendation when applying for the grant?
A. It’s no harm to have a doctors report, different councils have different requirements. You will however need to get an Occupational Therapists’ report so the correct stairlift can be recommended.

Q. Do I need to live in a council house or be on a HAP Scheme to get this grant?
A. No, anyone can apply for the grant to their local authority, it’s the means test that really decides if the person is eligible.

Q. You mention about a “means test”, what’s this all about?
A. When applying for the stairlift grant, they will assess the income of the entire household, from 18 years of age upwards. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 23 that are in full time education are excluded from the means test.

Q. What is the maximum income limit to be eligible for the stairlift grant?
A. The amount paid out under the grant decreases on a sliding scale up to a maximum of €60,000 maximum household income. Certain additional exemptions are listed on your grant application form. Generally anyone above this threshold are excluded from getting a grant.

Q. Where can I get the application forms?
A. You can ask the local authority to post one to you, or you can also download it from our website. Further down the page you can select a county that’s relevant to you which has all the information needed.

Rules For Applying For The Stairlift Grant

When applying for a grant, you’ll normally have to provide information similar to what’s listed below.

– Applicants PPS number –

– Show proof of income for anybody living in your household –

– Show confirmation that your tax affairs are in order –

– Provide evidence your LPT (Local Property Tax) is paid –

– Provide a report from your OT (Occupational Therapist) and/or Doctor –

Applicants PPS number
Show proof of income for anybody living in your household
Show confirmation that your tax affairs are in order
Provide evidence your LPT (Local Property Tax) is paid
Provide a report from your OT (Occupational Therapist) and/or Doctor

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VAT & Tax Rebates

Schemes available from Revenue which allow people to claim the VAT and tax back on their stairlift.

VAT Refund

Can Be Claimed Immediately

Anyone who pays VAT on a new stairlift can reclaim the full 13.5% VAT charged once the person has a PPS number and an illness that requires the stairlift.

For example, someone bought their stairlift privately and needed it due to arthritis, they can reclaim this VAT either on Revenue My Account or by filling out a VAT 61A Refund form which can be posted to them instead.

For anyone that uses Revenue Online Service (ROS), it’s simple to apply for the VAT refund under the “My Account” section which is much quicker than applying through the postal method.

Medical Expenses Refund

For Taxpayers Only

If you’re a tax payer and the stairlift is for you or a close family member (son / mother / daughter etc) then you’re entitled to reclaim 20% of the net cost of the stairlift.

Every year taxpayers usually submit their medical expenses for prescriptions, hearing aids etc, this is no different for the stairlift. As long as the person has the equivalent amount of taxes paid, they can reclaim this under their yearly medical expenses tax refund.

This expense cannot be reclaimed ad-hoc and therefore you could be waiting up to a year to get this back.

FAQ’s

VAT Refund Questions

Q. How long does a VAT refund take?
A. This depends on a few different factors. For example, if you reclaim your VAT under ROS Online, you should have it back within a few weeks. However, if you are claiming back by the postal method, this can take a few weeks longer again.

Q. Is this scheme for both new and second hand stairlifts?
A. You can only claim the VAT back on a brand new stairlift.

Q. I’m not a business so how on earth can I claim the VAT back?
A. Yes, we hear this all the time! This VAT refund scheme is ONLY for private individuals to reclaim, all you need is a PPS number and an illness or disability that requires the stairlift.

Q. Is there any additional documentation required?
A. It’s always advisable to include a copy of the invoice marked “paid in full” and also a doctors letter backing up the illness or disability.

Tax Rebate Questions

Q. Why are non tax payers excluded from claiming the 20% tax back?
A. Naturally if you’re not a tax payer, well then you’ll be most likely getting approval for a grant. On the other hand, most tax payers won’t be eligible for the grant and even if they were then they cannot reclaim the tax back.

Q. Can the tax be refunded on second hand stairlifts?
A. No, you can only claim this back for a new stair lift.

Q. I am a tax payer but I only pay a small amount of tax, where do I stand there?
A. You will only be refunded up to the amount of tax you actually paid in that year, for example if the stairlift meant a €400 tax refund but your total tax that year was €200, then you’d only get the €200 back.