How to Claim VAT Exemptions for Disabled People in the UK

Did you know that if you’re disabled or chronically ill, you could be saving money on essential products and services by claiming VAT exemption? It’s one of the UK’s less known benefits that can make a real difference, especially when combined with our disabled discounts.

I’m Georgina, the founder of Purpl, and I want to share something really important that not enough people know about. If you are disabled or living with a long term health condition, there is a way to avoid paying VAT on certain products and services. This is not a loophole, it is actually your legal right. I want every Purpl member to know about this great money saving benefit for disabled people in the UK, so you don’t pay more than you need to for items that help with your day-to-day life.

What is VAT Relief and How Can it Help You?

Most things we buy in the UK come with VAT added – usually 20% extra on the price of goods and services that you pay for. However, if you are disabled or chronically ill, you are allowed to get certain items VAT free. These items are things that have been made or adapted specifically to support your disabled life

Items that are VAT exempt include:

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Adjustable beds or riser recliner chairs
Hearing aids and vision support tools
Stairlifts or home lifts
Specially adapted vehicles
Specialist shoes to help your feet
Bathroom and home accessibility adaptations
Even some computer equipment and software

And it is not just about the items themselves. If you are paying for installation, servicing or repairs, those might be exempt too. This can provide you with even more savings!

Georgina’s Money Saving Tip

Did you know that you can also get grants to help with the extra costs? Please read our Disabled Facilities Grant article for more information.

Who Qualifies for VAT Exemption?

The great thing is that you do not need to be receiving benefits or go through a medical assessment to qualify for VAT exemption. If you are living with a long-term physical or mental condition that affects your daily life, or you have a chronic illness like arthritis or diabetes, you will probably qualify.

For VAT purposes, you’re disabled or have a long-term illness if:

you have a physical or mental impairment that affects your ability to carry out everyday activities, e.g. blindness
you have a condition that is treated as chronic sickness, e.g. diabetes
you are terminally ill

You do not qualify if you’re elderly but not disabled, or if you’re temporarily disabled (for example, if you have broken your leg you would not qualify).

You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet these conditions. Your supplier/store may give you a form for this.

How to Claim VAT Relief (It’s Easier than You Think)

Retailers who sell accessible products usually make the process really simple, and if you look in their footer menu it will normally say ‘VAT exemption’.

When you are checking out, whether it is online or in store, you will be asked to confirm that you qualify. Sometimes you just tick a box or fill out a short form. No need for doctors notes or long explanations.

The VAT gets taken off the price straight away, so you don’t need to worry about having to claim it back yourself.

If the supplier or retailer you are purchasing goods or services from isn’t aware of VAT relief then you should direct them to the government website where they can download the correct form. It’s the suppliers responsibility to make sure that the customer meets all the conditions for zero rating VAT.

Combine VAT Relief with Your Purpl Discounts

This is the part I get really excited about as I want to help you save money, and by doing so it will give you more money to spend on things other than things related to your disability.

If you are already using your Purpl membership to access discounts then imagine you can get extra savings?

For example, purchase a pair of shoes from Cosyfeet that are eligible for VAT relief:

Cost of shoes with VAT – £115

Cost of shoes without VAT – £95.83

Cost of shoes with Purpl Cosyfeet 10% off discount – £86.25

Total saving = £28.75

That is what we call Purpl Power – making your money go further in ways that are fair and long overdue.

Importing Products to The UK

If you are importing qualifying goods into the UK, you do not pay VAT if the items are for your own personal or domestic use. This includes certain goods for blind and partially sighted people.

If you use a freight service they will help you with the paperwork, otherwise make sure you write the following on the parcel: ‘Goods for disabled people: relief claimed’.

If you bring them in yourself, then you will need to declare them at Customs. For any other method of import you can contact the National Import Reliefs Unit to get further information and help.

Customs Duty

You can bring goods into the UK from outside the UK free from Customs Duty if:

you have a disability, are blind or partially sighted and are bringing in goods for your personal use because of your disability
you are a nominated carer – someone acting on behalf of a disabled, blind or partially sighted person and known to them, such as a parent, guardian, spouse or partner, or family member

It is important to remember that any goods you import from outside the UK have to be for a disabled person’s use only.

Help From Your Council

Did you know if you are living with a disability, your local council might be able to provide you with equipment or adaptations to help you? To apply for equipment or help, just add your postcode and complete the form on the government website.

They may carry out a health and social care assessment by social services to find out what help and support you need. This can include things like healthcare, equipment, help in your home or residential care.

Why This Matters

I started Purpl to help our community save money, and that’s more than just providing discounts. I want to ensure you know that schemes like VAT exemption exist. Your independence should never come with a premium price tag, so I want to help level the playing field so you can afford to spend money on treats that you and your family deserve.

Georgina, founder of Purpl, smiling in a pink patterned dress against a pastel background. Beside her, a message highlights her commitment to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts while advocating for accessibility, financial support, and independence. | Purpl disabled discounts, accessibility savings UK.

Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.

As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.

Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.

She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband, son, three stepsons, two cats, and a friendly Labrador. A keen reader, Lego enthusiast, and family-focused person, Georgina is committed to building a supportive, inclusive community for those navigating life with a disability.

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