Discounts, Grants & Financial Support for Disabled People
Published: 16 March 2021 · Last Updated: 10 August 2026
Living with a disability or long-term health condition can often result in additional day-to-day expenses. Whether it's adapting your home, travelling to medical appointments or managing increased household costs, there are a variety of grants, discounts and financial support schemes available that may help.
While eligibility varies depending on your circumstances, understanding what's available could help reduce the cost of maintaining your independence and improve your quality of life.
In this article, we've brought together some of the most common sources of financial support available across the UK.
Disabled Facilities Grants
If your home needs adapting to better meet your mobility or accessibility needs, you may be eligible for assistance through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).
A Disabled Facilities Grant helps fund essential adaptations that enable disabled people to live more safely and independently within their own homes.
Bathroom adaptations funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant may include:
In England, grants of up to £30,000 may be available, although funding arrangements vary between local authorities. Similarly, eligibility, assessment procedures and the application process also differs depending on where you live.
To find out more, read our Disabled Bathroom Grants: Your Complete Guide to Funding Bathroom Adaptations.
VAT Relief on Accessible Bathroom Adaptations
Many people are unaware that some accessible bathroom adaptations may qualify for reduced-rate VAT.
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for:
- 0% VAT on qualifying bathroom adaptations if you have a long-term disability or chronic medical condition.
- 5% VAT on certain qualifying mobility adaptations if you are aged 60 or over.
Not every installation automatically qualifies, and some projects include a combination of VAT rates depending on the products and works involved.
To learn more about VAT relief visit our dedicated page: Disabled Bathroom Prices & VAT Relief.
Benefits You May Be Entitled To
Many people living with disabilities or long-term health conditions may be entitled to financial support through government benefits.
Depending on your circumstances, these could include:
Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and should always be checked through the relevant government services.
Even if you're already receiving one benefit, you may still qualify for additional support.
Help with Energy Bills
Some disabled people and vulnerable households may qualify for assistance with energy costs.
Support available may include:
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides eligible households with a discount on their electricity bill during the winter months.
Eligibility is determined by the Government and participating energy suppliers.
Priority Services Register
If you have a disability, long-term health condition or rely on medical equipment requiring electricity, it's worth registering with your utility providers' Priority Services Register.
Benefits may include:
- Advance notice of planned power cuts
- Priority support during emergencies
- Accessible communications
- Additional assistance from your supplier
Registration is free and available through most gas, electricity and water suppliers.
Household Support Fund
Many local authorities distribute funding through the Household Support Fund to help residents experiencing financial hardship.
Support varies between councils and may assist with energy bills, food costs or other essential household expenses.
Travel Discounts and Concessions
Travelling with a disability can often be made easier and more affordable through a number of concessionary schemes.
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme helps people with disabilities or long-term health conditions park closer to their destination.
Eligibility varies according to individual circumstances.
Concessionary Bus Travel
Many eligible disabled people can access free or discounted local bus travel through concessionary travel schemes administered by local authorities.
Motability Scheme
If you receive the qualifying mobility component of certain disability benefits, you may be eligible to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.
Disabled Persons Railcard
The Disabled Persons Railcard offers discounted rail travel for eligible disabled people and, in many cases, a companion travelling with them.
Leisure and Entertainment Discounts
Many organisations recognise the additional costs disabled people can face and offer discounted admission or free companion tickets.
Examples include:
- Cinemas through the CEA Card scheme
- National Trust properties
- English Heritage sites
- Museums and attractions
- Theme parks
- Sporting venues
- Theatres and live events
Availability varies between organisations, so it's always worth checking before booking.
Discounts on Essential Products
Many retailers and specialist suppliers offer discounts throughout the year on products designed to improve accessibility and independent living.
These may include:
- Mobility aids
- Walking aids
- Bathroom safety equipment
- Adjustable beds
- Rise and recline chairs
- Specialist kitchen equipment
- Daily living aids
If you're purchasing equipment because of a disability, remember to ask whether VAT relief may also apply.
Local Authority and Charity Support
In addition to national schemes, many local organisations offer financial assistance.
You may wish to explore:
- Local authority discretionary assistance
- Home Improvement Agencies
- Condition-specific charities
- Veterans' charities
- Community foundations
- Occupational therapy services
The support available differs from area to area, so contacting your local council or Citizens Advice can often be a good starting point.
How More Ability Can Help
At More Ability, we've been helping homeowners across Yorkshire create safer, more accessible bathrooms for over 60 years.
Whether you're planning a bathroom adaptation or exploring the options available, our experienced team will guide you through every stage of the process. As part of your project, we can:
- Discuss the funding options that may be available for your circumstances.
- Explain whether your project may qualify for VAT relief.
- Design an accessible bathroom tailored to your individual needs.
- Work alongside Occupational Therapists and case managers where appropriate.
Every bathroom we design is focused on helping people maintain their independence while creating a space that's practical, comfortable and built around their lifestyle.
Every project is individually designed, professionally installed and fully managed by one experienced team, giving you a single point of contact from your initial home design appointment through to completion and aftercare.
Start Your Accessible Bathroom Journey
Whether you're planning a level access shower, accessible wet room or walk-in bath, our experienced designers are here to help.
Book a Free Home Design Appointment or visit one of our Yorkshire showrooms to discover how we can help create a bathroom that's safer, more accessible and designed around your needs.
Further Help and Advice
If you're still unsure and want further help and advice prior to taking the next step you can download our free More Ability Brochure.
Alternatively, our blog section can also help you understand the options available and you may find these articles useful:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive both a Disabled Facilities Grant and VAT relief?
Potentially, yes. A Disabled Facilities Grant helps fund essential adaptations, while VAT relief relates to the VAT charged on qualifying products and installation works. They are separate schemes and, depending on your circumstances, both may apply.
Do I need to be registered disabled?
Not necessarily. Many grants, benefits and VAT relief schemes are based on your medical condition or how it affects your daily life rather than whether you're officially registered as disabled.
Are all grants means tested?
No. Some grants are means tested, while others are not. The rules depend on the individual scheme and your personal circumstances.
Where can I find out what I'm entitled to?
Your local authority, Citizens Advice and GOV.UK can all provide guidance on the financial support available based on your individual circumstances.
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