Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

As people age or face mobility challenges due to disability, navigating stairs can become difficult, dangerous, or even impossible. A stairlift can be a life-changing solution, enabling individuals to safely and independently move between floors in their homes. However, stairlifts can be expensive, with prices ranging from £2,000 for a basic straight stairlift to £5,000 or more for a custom curved one. For those facing financial challenges, this expense can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, UK residents may be eligible for financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance, which can help cover the cost of a stairlift.

This guide explores how these benefits work, who is eligible, and how the funds from PIP or Attendance Allowance can be used to help finance the purchase and installation of a stairlift.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK government benefit designed to help individuals aged 16 to 64 who have long-term health conditions or disabilities that affect their daily activities and mobility. PIP is intended to help cover the extra costs that arise from living with a disability, including the cost of mobility aids like stairlifts.

PIP is divided into two main components:

• Daily Living Component: This part of PIP is awarded to individuals who need help with everyday tasks such as eating, dressing, or bathing.

• Mobility Component: This is awarded to individuals who have difficulty getting around due to mobility issues.

Each component can be awarded at two different rates: Standard or Enhanced, depending on the severity of the individual’s disability and the extent of their needs.

PIP is a flexible benefit that is designed to give individuals the freedom to spend the money in the way that best meets their needs. For individuals with mobility issues, a stairlift can significantly improve their quality of life by allowing them to safely navigate stairs and maintain independence in their own home.

While PIP does not specifically cover stairlifts, the money received through the Mobility Component can be used to help fund the purchase and installation of one. This can be particularly useful for those who do not qualify for other sources of funding, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), or for those who need to supplement other funding sources.

The amount of money awarded through PIP depends on the individual’s circumstances, but the current (2024) weekly rates for the Mobility Component are:

• Standard Rate: £26.90 per week
• Enhanced Rate: £71.00 per week

The PIP Mobility Component, especially the Enhanced Rate, can be used to save up for a stairlift or help cover the costs in combination with other funding sources. Over time, this benefit can significantly offset the cost of a stairlift, making it more affordable for individuals on a limited income.

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for individuals in the UK who are aged 65 or over and need help with personal care due to a disability or long-term illness. Unlike PIP, Attendance Allowance does not have a mobility component, but it still provides financial assistance that can be used to help cover the cost of a stairlift.

Attendance Allowance is available at two rates:

• Lower Rate: £68.10 per week (for those who need help either during the day or at night)
• Higher Rate: £101.75 per week (for those who need help both during the day and at night)

Like PIP, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning that it is awarded based on the individual’s care needs, regardless of their income or savings. Individuals can use the money in any way that helps them live more comfortably and independently, including making adaptations to their home, such as installing a stairlift.

Although Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component, it is still a valuable source of income for individuals who need help with personal care and home adaptations. Recipients can use the funds to pay for a stairlift, which can be essential for improving access to different parts of their home.

The weekly payments provided by Attendance Allowance can be saved up over time or used to supplement other funding sources to make purchasing a stairlift more affordable. For example, individuals may use their Attendance Allowance to help cover the cost of renting a stairlift, or they may combine the benefit with savings or other grants to purchase a stairlift outright.

To apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), individuals must first contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Claim: You can start your PIP claim by calling the DWP or by filling out a paper form. You’ll need to provide details about your health condition and how it affects your daily life and mobility.
2. PIP2 Form: After submitting the initial claim, you will receive a detailed form (PIP2) to fill out, which asks for more specific information about how your disability impacts your ability to perform everyday tasks.
3. Face-to-Face Assessment: In most cases, applicants will be asked to attend a face-to-face assessment with a health professional who will evaluate their condition.
4. Decision: After the assessment, the DWP will review your case and determine whether you qualify for PIP and at what rate.

Once approved, PIP payments are made every four weeks, and you can use the funds to pay for necessary adaptations, including a stairlift.

The process for applying for Attendance Allowance is similar to PIP, but there are some differences due to the fact that it is a benefit for individuals aged 65 or over. To apply:

1. Download or Request a Form: You can download an Attendance Allowance claim form from the UK government website or request a form by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline.
2. Complete the Form: The form asks for information about how your disability or illness affects your ability to take care of yourself, such as difficulties with bathing, dressing, or using stairs.
3. Submit the Form: Once completed, you must submit the form to the DWP for assessment.

Attendance Allowance does not require a face-to-face assessment, but your doctor may be contacted to provide additional information.

While PIP and Attendance Allowance can significantly help cover the cost of a stairlift, many individuals may need to explore additional funding options to make the purchase more affordable. Some additional sources of financial support include:

• Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG): This is a local authority grant that helps individuals with disabilities make adaptations to their homes, including stairlifts. The DFG is means-tested, but for those who qualify, it can provide up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland.

• Charitable Grants: Several UK-based charities provide financial assistance for mobility aids and home adaptations. Organizations like Turn2us, Independence at Home, and The ACT Foundation offer grants for stairlifts and other essential adaptations.

• Stairlift Company Financing: Many stairlift providers offer financing plans that allow customers to pay for the stairlift in monthly installments, reducing the upfront cost.

For individuals with mobility challenges, a stairlift can significantly improve safety and independence in the home. While the cost of a stairlift can be high, benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance provide valuable financial assistance that can be used to cover part or all of the cost. By applying for these benefits and exploring other funding sources, individuals can make a stairlift more affordable and accessible, enhancing their quality of life and allowing them to continue living comfortably in their own homes.

You can only apply for PIP online in some areas. You’ll need to check your postcode when you start your application.

To start your claim online you’ll need your:

• National Insurance number
• email address
• mobile phone