In the UK, many mobility aids, including wheelchair ramps and mobility scooters, are eligible to purchase VAT relief when they are purchased by those with disabilities, long term conditions or registered charities

This guide will walk you through the types of products you can claim VAT relief on, how to claim VAT relief and additional discounts and schemes available to support those living with disabilities.

Within the UK, certain goods and services are available VAT-free for eligible individuals. The goods and services which qualify for VAT relief are specifically designed for use as a mobility aid.

VAT relief is available for those who are chronically sick or disabled and registered UK charities. You do not need to be registered disabled to qualify for VAT relief. For example, those with conditions such as arthritis, COPD, and cancer qualifies for VAT relief. Temporary conditions such as a broken an arm or leg, in most instances, not qualify for VAT relief as it would be likely to heal within a short period of time. Businesses also cannot purchase items VAT exempt.

A wide range of products and services designed for those with disabilities qualify for VAT relief. Products include wheelchairs, rollators, medical appliances, stair lifts, computer equipment and adjustable beds. VAT relief is also available on some building works for those with disabilities where the works specifically relates to assisting someone with a disability. For instance, if you are installing ramps, amending door widths or installing a wet room this may qualify for VAT relief.

The UK's government website outlines how VAT relief works, what goods qualify for VAT relief and what to do if you think you have paid too much VAT.

The UK's government website outlines how to claim VAT relief if you are having building work done on your home which relates to your disability.

When purchasing goods or services, you should let the supplier know that you are eligible for VAT relief. You then should not be charged VAT on qualifying products and services.

For example, when purchasing ramps or mobility aids through our website, when you add an eligible item to the basket a pop up box appears. Simply enter your VAT exemption details and click to apply VAT relief.

When purchasing via online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, often you will need to purchase the product at full price and then message the marketplace, or seller, to reclaim the VAT.

The English National Concessionary Travel scheme provides free bus passes for those with eligible disabilities in England. To check if your area is covered by the scheme and apply for a bus pass, please visit the government website or contact your local council.

Discounted train travel is available on various networks across the UK. For example those with disabilities can get 1/3 off train travel with a disabled persons railcard.

The Blue Badge scheme is designed to help those with disabilities park closer to the areas they wish to visit and park for longer. For example, the blue badge allows users to park in disabled parking bays, park for as long as you need in pay and display areas and park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours (limitations do apply in some areas). To learn more visit the government's page on how to get a blue badge.

Those with disabilities who are entitled to the higher rate of disability living allowance (DLA) or enhanced-rate mobility of personal independent payment (PIP) can qualify for exemptions on paying vehicle tax. Provide your exemption details when applying or renewing your vehicle tax.

For those seeking support with leasing a car, the Motability Scheme is available.

Those with certain disabilities can gain a medical exemption certificate (MedEx) meaning they do not have to pay for NHS prescriptions. Those entitled to medical exemption certificates include those with cancer, epilepsy and diabetes. You can apply for a medical exemption certification by asking your doctor for a FP92A form. To learn more visit the NHS website.

The NHS loan various mobility aids including wheelchair ramps, walking frames and toilet frames for eligible individuals. You will need to speak to your Occupational Therapist, physiotherapist or doctor for more information.

The government run an Access to Work scheme for those with disabilities. The scheme is designed to help those with disabilities get into work, or stay in work. The scheme provides grants to those with disabilities, for example providing funding for taxis to allow you to gain access to work, funding for vehicle adaptations and funding for job coaches.

Gain quick access to accessible toilets by purchasing a Radar Key for £5.

If you are visiting a venue, for example going to a music concert, theatre or similar, we suggest contacting the venue in advance. Often they will be able to provide disabled seating and various instances will allow a carer to attend free of charge or at a discounted price. For example, the National Trust allow carers to attend for free. Those with Merlin annual passes are also entitled to complimentary carer passes. Enjoy the cinema? Why not take a friend fee of charge by signing up for a CEA card, a national UK scheme which allows cinema guests to receive a complimentary ticket for a friend at certain cinemas.

Various sports clubs, gyms and leisure centres also offer discounted rates for those with disabilities. National Disability Sports Organisations also offer free and discounted activities.

• Personal Independence Payments (PIP)- To assist with living costs
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - For those unable to work
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - For those looking after children with a disability
• Attendance Allowance - If you require someone to help look after you
• Disabled Students Allowance - For students, including undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Various charities also provide financial support

• Council tax discounts- Discounts and exemptions are available
• Disabled Facilities Grants - For those who are disabled and need to make changes to their home as a result, for example if you wish to widen doors within the home, improve accessibility or build an accessible shower.
• Priority register with your energy supplier - Ensure you are alerted of power cuts and get priority support when these occur.
• Support with your water bill - WaterSure is a scheme for those who use a lot of water due to medical conditions, such as those with incontinence abdominal stomas and Crohn's disease. Through the scheme your water bill will be capped. You can apply for the scheme through your water company, you will need to provide evidence of your condition.

In the UK various laws are in place to prevent discrimination. For instance, the Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to be made for those with disabilities. The Equality Advisory and Support Service is also available to provide support and advice around the Equality Act. Citizens Advice also provide free and affordable legal assistance.

• Personal Independence Payments (PIP)- To assist with living costs
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - For those unable to work
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - For those looking after children with a disability
• Attendance Allowance - If you require someone to help look after you
• Disabled Students Allowance - For students, including undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Various charities also provide financial support

• Council tax discounts- Discounts and exemptions are available
• Disabled Facilities Grants - For those who are disabled and need to make changes to their home as a result, for example if you wish to widen doors within the home, improve accessibility or build an accessible shower.
• Priority register with your energy supplier - Ensure you are alerted of power cuts and get priority support when these occur.
• Support with your water bill - WaterSure is a scheme for those who use a lot of water due to medical conditions, such as those with incontinence abdominal stomas and Crohn's disease. Through the scheme your water bill will be capped. You can apply for the scheme through your water company, you will need to provide evidence of your condition.

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