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05th Feb 2026

How to Claim VAT Relief on Mobility Chairs

Getting a new mobility chair can be a life-changing investment, and the UK government provides a way to make it significantly more affordable. If you have a long-term illness or disability, you may be eligible to purchase your chair at the 0% VAT rate, saving you 20% on the total cost.

This guide explains who is eligible, how the process works, and which conditions qualify.

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1. Am I Eligible for VAT Relief?

To qualify for VAT exemption on a mobility chair, you must meet three specific criteria set by HMRC:

• Individual Status: You must be "chronically sick or disabled."

• Personal Use: The chair must be for your own personal or domestic use (not for business or for use in a hospital or nursing home environment).

• Product Suitability: The chair must be specifically designed or adapted for use by a disabled person (such as a riser-recliner or a specialist wheelchair).

Note: You do not need to be registered disabled or receive any specific benefits (like PIP or DLA) to claim VAT relief. It is based solely on your medical condition.

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2. Qualifying Ailments and Conditions

HMRC defines "chronically sick or disabled" as having a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term and substantial effect on your ability to carry out everyday activities.

Examples of qualifying conditions include:

• Arthritis (Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis)

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Motor Neurone Disease

• Heart Conditions (e.g., Chronic Heart Failure)

• Respiratory Diseases (e.g., COPD, Emphysema, or Severe Asthma)

• Diabetes (treated as a chronic sickness)

• Stroke survivors

• Amputees or those with permanent limb loss

• Dementia or Alzheimer’s

• Terminal illnesses

• Visual or hearing impairments

Who does NOT qualify?

• Temporary injuries: A broken leg or short-term recovery from surgery.

• General "frailty": Being elderly or "feeling a bit stiff" does not qualify on its own without an underlying chronic condition.

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3. How to Claim (The Simple 3-Step Process)

We have made claiming VAT relief as straightforward as possible. You don’t need a doctor's letter or complex paperwork.

1. Select Your Chair: Look for products marked "VAT Relief Eligible."

2. Complete the Declaration: During the checkout process, you will be asked to fill in a short form. You only need to provide the user's name, address, and a brief description of their condition (e.g., "Arthritis"). Vat Exemption Form

3. Pay the VAT-Free Price: Once the declaration is completed, the 20% VAT will not be applicable to you or your purchase.

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4. Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I buy for someone else? Yes. If you are a carer, family member, or friend buying a chair for an eligible person, you can complete the declaration on their behalf.

• What if I’ve already paid VAT? VAT relief cannot be claimed retroactively through HMRC. If you believe you were charged in error, you must contact the retailer immediately.

• Is delivery VAT-exempt? No. While the chair itself is 0% VAT, standard delivery charges are usually still subject to the 20% VAT rate.