Do stairlift grants cover straight and curved stairlifts?

If you are looking into stairlift funding, a common question is whether grants cover both straight and curved stairlifts, or only the simplest option.

The short answer is yes, stairlift grants can cover both, but approval depends on your home, your needs, and what the council assesses as necessary.

This guide explains how funding decisions are made, what usually gets approved, and what to do if a curved stairlift is needed.

How stairlift grants work

In England, stairlift funding is most commonly provided through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), which is managed by local councils.

The grant is designed to fund necessary and appropriate adaptations, not specific products. This means councils focus on what is required to help you move safely around your home.

Stairlifts are one of the most commonly approved adaptations.

Do stairlift grants cover straight stairlifts?

Yes. Straight stairlifts are very commonly covered by stairlift grants.

If you have a straight staircase and a stairlift is assessed as necessary, approval is usually straightforward because:

• Straight stairlifts are the simplest solution
• They are generally more cost‑effective
• They meet the needs of most standard staircases

For this reason, straight stairlifts are often the first option councils consider.

Do stairlift grants cover curved stairlifts?

Yes, curved stairlifts can also be covered, but approval is more closely assessed.

A curved stairlift may be approved if:

• Your staircase has bends, turns, or landings
• A straight stairlift would not be safe or practical
• There is no suitable alternative solution

If a curved stairlift is the only viable option, councils can and do approve them as part of a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Why curved stairlifts are assessed more carefully

Curved stairlifts are custom‑made to fit the shape of the staircase, which means they are:

• More complex to design and install
• More expensive than straight stairlifts

Because of this, councils must be satisfied that a curved stairlift is necessary, not just preferred.

An occupational therapist assessment is key to this decision.

What if the council only offers a straight stairlift?

In some cases, councils may initially propose a straight stairlift if they believe it meets the minimum requirement.

However, if:

• A straight stairlift would not reach key areas safely
• The staircase layout makes it impractical
• It would create new safety risks

This should be raised during the assessment process. The final decision should be based on what works safely in your home, not just cost.

Does the type of stairlift affect how long grants take?

Often, yes.

• Straight stairlifts are usually quicker to approve and install
• Curved stairlifts may take longer due to design, approval, and manufacturing

This can affect overall timescales, particularly if funding approval is delayed.

What if you need a curved stairlift but funding is delayed or declined?

If a curved stairlift is needed and council funding is not approved, you still have options.

Many people choose to buy a stairlift directly in this situation, especially if stairs are already unsafe.

Buying directly gives you more certainty

When you buy directly from a specialist like Felgains:

• You are not restricted to the most basic option
• The stairlift is chosen to fit your staircase exactly
• Surveys can be carried out quickly
• Installation is not delayed by council processes

This can be particularly important for curved or unusual staircases.

Further reading: Stairlift grants vs buying directly

Why expert surveying matters for straight and curved stairlifts

Whether straight or curved, accurate surveying is critical.

At Felgains, we have over 45 years of experience surveying and installing stairlifts across Ipswich, Suffolk and East Anglia.

Our surveys focus on:

• The exact layout of your staircase
• Safety, comfort and ease of use
• What will genuinely work long‑term

This experience is especially important for curved stairlifts, where precision makes a real difference.

Can you apply for a grant and explore private options simultaneously?

Yes. Many people choose to:

• Apply for a stairlift grant
• Speak to a stairlift specialist at the same time
• Compare timescales, options and outcomes

This helps you make an informed decision without unnecessary delay.

How Felgains can help

We regularly help customers who:

• Are unsure whether a straight or curved stairlift is needed
• Are waiting for grant decisions
• Have been declined funding for a curved stairlift

Our advice is clear, honest and obligation‑free.

Speak to a trusted stairlift advisor

If you are unsure whether stairlift grants will cover a straight or curved stairlift, we are here to help.

Call 01473 741144 or visit our Ipswich showroom to speak to a trusted advisor and arrange a no‑obligation survey.