Stairlift loans

You might be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant in order to get financial assistance towards the cost of a stairlift. This is a means-tested grant designed to help with the costs of adaptations to a property, improve independence, accessibility and to provide better facilities.

Applying

Before you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, your needs must be assessed by an Occupational Therapist. The Occupational Therapist will make a recommendation to Somerset Council if they think a stairlift is necessary and appropriate to meet your long-term needs. We will then determine if the proposed request is reasonable and practical.

You can arrange for an Occupational Therapist assessment by phoning 0300 123 2224.

Eligibility

The service is offered to disabled people who live in Somerset, regardless of property tenure. The Disabled Facilities Grant must be for a disabled person whose disability is long-term, caused by physical illness or injury, a major sight, hearing, speech, or mental health problem, or a learning disability.

A financial means test will be required for those who are not in receipt of certain means-tested benefits. The Disabled Facilities Grant means test takes into account your income and savings, in accordance with the rules set out in government regulations. This means that you may have to pay something towards the cost of the stairlift and related work identified by the Occupational Therapist.

If you are eligible to receive Disabled Facilities Grant financial assistance, we will arrange for a stairlift contractor to visit your home to discuss the proposals and conduct a survey. We will guide you through the grant process and answer questions along the way