Is there a Government Grant for Stair Lifts?
Yes, such grant does exist, but getting your grant approved may take years. Older and disabled people are in a desperate and immediate need of a stair lift; however, it may take as long as 1-3 years to get your grant approved by the Government. This process is way too slow for many people, often forcing them to purchase a unit as they are unable to wait for so long.
If you cannot receive a grant for years, what else can you do? First of all, you may try contacting your Local Representative in congress, and asking him/her to help you.
Other alternatives include: stair lift rental and reconditioned units. So, which of these two alternatives bests fits your circumstances?
Renting is best suited for someone who may require a stair lift for only a short period of time. These units can be rented for a period of time, so that you can continue with your life, until your grant is approved. The process can take between 2 to 3 days from beginning to end, executing all the necessary work, from an inspection to installation. Installation services usually cost around $1,000, and it’s around $100 per month to rent the unit. Generally, the rental companies do not require you to sign any minimum contract with them.
Reconditioned stair lifts also offer you good value for the money. The whole process – from an inspection to installation, may take between 2 to 7 days depending on your staircase design and your location. However, note that reconditioned units may have fewer features than new ones, as well as they may look somewhat outdated.
So, is there a Goverment grant for stair lifts? Yes. Is it fast to get? No. It’s important to remember that the Government does offer grants for stair lifts, and thus it’s definitely worth asking the Government for help; even so, the waiting period may take years depending on where you live. Stair lifts are units of an immediate need, and waiting for years for a stair lift isn’t an option. Thus, you may want to look into renting a stair lift or purchasing a refurbished unit, if you are in an immediate need of one.