Stairlift Grants & Funding
A Guide to Stairlift Grants in Scotland
Scotland's Scheme of Assistance can cover 80-100% of the cost of a stairlift - but the process typically takes 3 to 18 months and not every application is approved.
Can I Get a Grant for a Stairlift in Scotland?
Yes. Under Scotland's Scheme of Assistance, your local council may provide a grant covering 80-100% of the cost of a stairlift if you are a homeowner or private tenant with a disability or long-term health condition. However, the process typically takes 3 to 18 months and not every application is successful.
Please note: Grant policies, funding levels, waiting times and eligibility criteria can change. The information on this page was accurate at the time of writing but should be used as a general guide only. We recommend contacting your local council directly for the most up-to-date information. We are happy to help point you in the right direction - call us free on 0800 776 5404.
The Funding Route
What Is the Scheme of Assistance?
The Scheme of Assistance is a Scottish Government programme under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. It requires all 32 councils to help residents adapt their homes when a disability, illness or mobility condition makes everyday living difficult.
It replaced England's Disabled Facilities Grant system. Under the Scheme, councils provide grants or loans to fund essential adaptations including stairlifts, ramps, wet-floor showers and door widening.
Key Fact
Scottish councils must provide a grant of at least 80% of the eligible cost for essential adaptations. In many cases, funding covers 100%.
Eligibility
Who Qualifies for a Stairlift Grant?
You need to meet two criteria: a medical need, and (for adults) a financial assessment.
Medical Eligibility
You may qualify if you have difficulty using the stairs due to:
- Arthritis, joint problems or chronic pain
- Heart conditions or COPD
- Age-related mobility or balance difficulties
- Recovery from hip or knee surgery
- Stroke, MS, Parkinson's or other neurological conditions
You do not need to be registered disabled. An occupational therapist must assess that a stairlift is necessary and appropriate.
Financial Eligibility
For adults, the grant is means-tested based on household income and savings.
If you receive qualifying benefits (Income Support, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income-based JSA, or income-related ESA), you may be eligible for 100% funding.
For children with disabilities, the grant is not means-tested.
The Process
How to Apply for a Stairlift Grant
The grant process involves several stages. Here is what to expect at each step.
Contact Your Council
Phone your council's housing adaptations team or social work department and ask about the Scheme of Assistance. You can also ask your GP to refer you. Some councils allow online self-referral.
OT Assessment
The council arranges for an occupational therapist to visit your home and assess your needs. This is free. Waiting times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on demand in your area.
Get Quotes
If the OT recommends a stairlift, you will usually need at least two written quotes. Our free home survey provides exactly the grant-ready documentation you need.
Financial Assessment
The council assesses your household income and savings. If you receive qualifying benefits, you may receive 100% funding automatically.
Grant Approval
The council reviews everything and issues a grant offer. Do not start any work until the grant is formally approved in writing - this can invalidate your funding.
Installation
Once approved, we install your stairlift. The council pays the grant directly to us or reimburses you after the work is completed and inspected.
Be Prepared to Wait
How Long Does the Grant Process Take?
Best case
Typical
Some areas
The biggest delay is usually waiting for the occupational therapy assessment. Many councils have significant OT waiting lists, with demand exceeding capacity. Some operate a priority system, meaning less urgent cases wait longer.
After the OT assessment, there are further waits for financial assessment, grant approval and scheduling.
Can't Wait Months?
A reconditioned stairlift from £995 can be installed as soon as the next day. You can still apply for a grant separately. See faster options below.
How Much Will You Get?
Stairlift Grant Funding Levels
The amount of funding you receive depends on your financial circumstances and which benefits you receive.
| Your Situation | Minimum Grant | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving qualifying benefits | 100% of eligible cost | The council pays the full cost. You pay nothing. |
| Not receiving qualifying benefits | 80% of eligible cost | You contribute up to 20%. Council may pay more at their discretion. |
| Child with a disability | Not means-tested | Grant based on need, not household income. |
Benefits That Qualify for 100% Funding
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
Over 6,350 Grants Paid in 2022/23
According to Scottish Government statistics, over 6,350 Scheme of Assistance grants were paid to householders in Scotland during the 2022/23 period - up 4% from the previous year.
Local Differences
How the Process Varies Across Scotland's 32 Councils
The Scheme of Assistance is a national framework, but each council manages it differently.
| What Varies | Impact on You |
|---|---|
| OT waiting lists | Cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh can have longer waits due to demand. Rural councils may be quicker. |
| Discretionary top-ups | Some councils fund above the 80% minimum. Your out-of-pocket cost could be lower. |
| Approved suppliers | Some councils have preferred contractor lists. Many accept any qualified supplier. |
| Number of quotes | Usually two or three required. We provide one of your quotes through a free home survey. |
| Budget constraints | Council budgets vary year to year. Approved applicants may face delays waiting for funds. |
| Self-referral | Some councils allow online self-referral; others require a GP or professional referral. |
Our Local Offices Across Scotland
| Council Area | Our Local Number |
|---|---|
| Glasgow City Council | 0141 214 0065 |
| City of Edinburgh Council | 0131 207 0065 |
| Aberdeen City / Aberdeenshire | 01224 449065 |
| Stirling Council | 01786 980855 |
| North Lanarkshire Council | 01698 901325 |
| Inverclyde Council | 01475 850131 |
| Renfrewshire Council | 01505 310212 |
| Anywhere in Scotland | 0800 776 5404 |
Not sure which council covers your area? Call us and we will point you in the right direction.
Should You Wait?
Pros and Cons of Waiting for a Grant
A grant can save you a lot of money, but the waiting time is a real concern. Here is an honest comparison.
Pros
- Saves 80-100% of the cost - potentially thousands of pounds
- May pay nothing if you receive qualifying benefits
- Free OT assessment ensures you get the right solution
- Legal entitlement under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006
Cons
- 3 to 18 months waiting - you are without a stairlift the entire time
- Risk of falls - every day on the stairs without a stairlift is a risk
- Not guaranteed - applications can be refused
- Living downstairs - many end up sleeping in the living room while they wait
- Limited choice - some councils restrict which supplier you can use
Need a Stairlift Now?
Faster Alternatives While You Wait
You do not have to wait months. Here are your options - and you can still apply for a grant separately.
| Option | Typical Wait | Cost to You |
|---|---|---|
| Council grant | 3-18 months | £0 to 20% of cost |
| Reconditioned stairlift | 1-3 days | From £995 |
| Stairlift rental | 1-3 days | Weekly rental fee |
| New stairlift (self-funded) | 1-14 days | Varies by model |
Reconditioned Stairlift - from £995
A fully serviced stairlift with warranty, installed as soon as the next day for straight staircases. Same brands the council would provide, at a fraction of the cost and without the wait.
Stairlift Rental
Have one installed now while your grant application is processed. Ideal if your situation may change or you are waiting for surgery.
You Can Still Apply for a Grant
Getting a stairlift installed privately does not stop you applying for council funding. Some customers pay for a reconditioned stairlift now and apply for grant funding separately.
Immediate Saving
VAT Exemption - Save 20% With No Waiting
Completely separate from council grants, if you have a chronic illness or disability you can buy a stairlift without paying VAT. This is an immediate 20% saving with no application, no assessment and no waiting.
You do not need to be registered disabled. A simple self-declaration form is all that is needed, and we help you complete it as part of your purchase. VAT exemption can also be applied on top of any grant funding.
20% Saving
Off the total price
No Waiting
Applied at purchase
Simple Form
Self-declaration only
Stackable
Combine with grants
Beyond Council Grants
Other Funding Sources
Council grants are not the only source of help. These organisations may also assist.
Age Scotland
Free advice on funding for older people. Call 0800 12 44 222.
Care and Repair Scotland
Helps with adaptations, paperwork and coordinating with your council.
Charitable Grants
Turn2Us and the Family Fund may offer grants in specific circumstances.
Benevolent Funds
SSAFA for armed forces veterans. RABI for farming families. Check your former employer too.
Attendance Allowance
£73.90 to £110.40 per week if you are over State Pension age with a disability. Not means-tested.
Citizens Advice Scotland
Help with applications, benefits checks and understanding your entitlements.
Within 24 hours they arranged two quotes direct from the manufacturers for the family to discuss. Both were a lot cheaper than the big firms. A top class branded stairlift was fitted for my Dad in Glasgow within a week of our decision.Lindsay M. - Glasgow
Common Questions
Stairlift Grants FAQ
Do I need to be registered disabled to get a grant?
No. Conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, COPD, age-related mobility problems and recovery from surgery can all qualify. What matters is the occupational therapist's assessment.
Can I get a grant if I rent my home?
Yes. The Scheme of Assistance covers homeowners and private tenants. Council tenants and housing association tenants should contact their landlord's housing team, as the landlord has a separate obligation to provide adaptations.
What if my application is refused?
The council must explain why. You can appeal through the council's complaints process. In the meantime, a reconditioned stairlift from £995 or a rental can get you moving between floors safely.
Can I choose my own stairlift supplier?
In most cases, yes. Many councils accept quotes from any qualified supplier. We provide grant-ready quotes and work with councils across Scotland regularly.
Can I start work before the grant is approved?
No. You must not place an order or begin installation until the grant has been formally approved in writing. Starting early can invalidate your funding entirely.
Is the Scheme of Assistance the same as the Disabled Facilities Grant?
No. The DFG operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own Scheme of Assistance. The key advantage is that Scottish grants must cover at least 80% of the eligible cost, and 100% for those on qualifying benefits.
Can I get a grant for a curved stairlift?
Yes. The Scheme covers both straight and curved stairlifts, plus through-floor lifts if assessed as necessary. Curved stairlifts cost more because the rail is custom-built, but the grant principles are the same.
How many grants are awarded each year?
Over 6,350 Scheme of Assistance grants were paid in Scotland during 2022/23, up 4% from the previous year. This covers all types of home adaptation, not just stairlifts.
Explore Your Options
Not Sure Which Route Is Right?
Reconditioned Stairlifts
From £995. Fully serviced with warranty. Next-day installation available.
Fastest OptionView reconditioned stairlifts
Stairlift Cost Guide
Full price breakdown. Straight, curved, new, reconditioned and rental costs.
Read the cost guideFree Home Survey
Get an accurate quote. Also the quote you need for a grant application.
Book your free surveyNeed Help Deciding What to Do?
Whether you want to explore grant funding or get a stairlift installed quickly, we can talk you through all your options. Free survey, no obligation.