The financial impact of living with a disability in the UK is significant. According to Scope’s latest Disability Price Tag research, disabled people face an average extra cost of £1,095 per month. These costs extend beyond healthcare to include higher energy bills, transport, specialist equipment, mobility aids, therapies, clothing, food, and everyday essentials. Consequently, many disabled individuals spend considerably more to maintain a standard of living comparable to non-disabled people. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to help cover these additional costs, and it exists to recognise that disability-related expenses are real, ongoing, and often invisible. Claiming PIP does not detract from support for others; instead, it acknowledges the unique financial pressures faced by the disabled community. For those budgeting carefully, evidence of impact can be found in cutting back or going without due to disability-related costs, which is a valid reason to claim entitlement.
Beyond PIP, various programmes, discounts, and resources exist to help offset these expenses. This article outlines key avenues for accessing free or heavily subsidised products, equipment, and services in the UK, focusing on practical support rather than speculative offers.
Understanding VAT Exemptions and Financial Support
For disabled individuals purchasing essential equipment, VAT can represent a significant cost. Some suppliers offer VAT exemptions, which can reduce the purchase price. To access this, it is important to check whether a supplier has a VAT declaration form. The individual must complete this form before purchasing, and the supplier will then remove the VAT from the order. This process is specific to qualifying equipment and requires proper documentation.
In addition to VAT exemptions, local authorities may provide free equipment through a social care needs assessment. This can include bathroom aids, wheelchairs, or mobility equipment. The first step is to complete a social care needs assessment with your local council. For home adaptations, individuals may be eligible for a Disability Facilities Grant (DFG), which comes from the local council to help fund essential changes for better mobility and safety, depending on income.
Travel Concessions and Exemptions
Travel costs can be a major burden. Several UK transport operators offer discounted or free tolls at river crossings, bridges, and tunnels for disabled people. However, these exemptions usually require advance application. For those travelling in London with a Blue Badge, there is an exemption from Congestion Charges. Similarly, Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges may be waived for eligible disabled drivers.
Dedicated Support for Disability-Related Products and Equipment
A growing number of organisations focus on providing or subsidising essential items for disabled adults and children.
Skiggle is a UK-based online marketplace and charity designed to rehome much-needed supplies. It supports disabled individuals by facilitating the sharing of consumables and equipment in times of need. Skiggle is unique as the only UK disability charity of its kind, offering an Emergency SOS service. This community-driven approach helps people who have run out of specialist feed, continence products, or suction catheters, connecting them with others who can provide immediate assistance. The platform is intended for the community to support each other by providing and sharing items when essentials are forgotten, go missing, or need immediate replacement.
Discounted Products and Programmes for Disabled People
Several organisations and companies offer specific discounts for the disabled community, though many of the listed programmes in the provided data are based in the United States. The information below is presented as it appears in the source material, with a clear distinction between UK and non-UK resources.
UK-Based Discounts and Support
Purpl is a UK-focused service that helps disabled people maximise their PIP benefits. By joining Purpl, members can access discounts designed to support the disabled community, making life more affordable. The founder states that the initiative was launched to help offset the high costs associated with living with a disability through community discounts and savings.
International Discounts and Programmes (Primarily US-Based)
The following list includes organisations that offer discounts, grants, or financial assistance for medical equipment, therapies, and other disability-related needs. Note: The geographical scope of these programmes is not specified in the source data, and many appear to be US-centric. UK residents should verify eligibility and availability directly with each organisation.
Medical Equipment and Mobility Aids:
- 1800Wheelchair: Offers free shipping on orders over $59 and exclusive offers on wheelchairs, powerchairs, scooters, and medical supplies.
- Med Mart: Runs special promotions and deals on mobility products. An example provided is a 14% sitewide discount with a specific code plus free shipping.
- Spinlife: Provides special discounts for people with disabilities and free shipping on orders over $50 for manual wheelchairs, scooters, lift chairs, and other mobility products. They also run a competition for a chance to win a free kids chair.
- Vitality Medical: Offers affordable prices on medical supplies and equipment, with a limited-time discount of up to 10% on qualified orders using a specific code.
- Silverts: Offers discounts on adaptive clothing, footwear, and accessories, plus free regular shipping on orders over $75.
- Fashionable Canes: Provides discounted prices on select products and free shipping on all walking cane orders over $75.
Therapy Tools, Sports, and Recovery:
- Getting Back Up: A programme providing financial assistance for adaptable devices and exercise-based recovery programmes.
- Adaptive Sports Foundation: Offers sponsorship opportunities for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, including virtual adaptive fitness and winter snow sports programmes.
- Challenged Athletes Foundation: Provides grants for sport expense requests, equipment requests, and athletic prosthetics requests.
- Chanda Center for Health: Offers regular wheelchair repair clinics and free virtual classes on topics like nutrition and wound care.
Health and Wellness Products:
- Health Products For You (HPFY): Offers special discounts on healthcare products and medical supplies for people with special needs or disabilities.
- Especial Needs: Offers up to 15% off standers.
- CBD Discounts: Several organisations offer discounts on CBD products for people with disabilities, low-income individuals, or those with special needs. These include C4 Healthlabs (10% discount), CBD American Shaman (30% discount through the Compassionate Care Programme), cbdMD (40% discount), Extract Labs (60% discount), and Lazarus Naturals (up to 60% discount plus free shipping on orders over $50).
Grants and Financial Assistance:
- Kelly Brush Foundation: The Active Fund grant provides adaptive sports equipment to individuals paralysed due to spinal cord injury. The Spring Active Fund opens on February 3 and closes on April 30, 2025.
- PAN Foundation: Provides individuals in need, particularly underinsured persons, with necessary medical or critical treatment.
- Epilepsy Foundation: Through its Patient Assistance Program, it provides financial assistance covering the cost of travel for specialised care.
Additional Support Services
Beyond product discounts, other resources exist to support disabled individuals in various aspects of life.
- Service Animals & Pets: Organisations like BestFriends.org provide resources and guides on pet assistance for people with disabilities.
- Legal Help: Free legal representation and assistance in finding specialised attorneys are available through organisations such as the National Disability Rights Network and Special Needs Alliance. The US Department of Justice provides access to disability rights laws (note: US-based resource).
- Employment Support: For those seeking training and employment, BroadFutures offers opportunities for young adults with disabilities. The Job Accommodation Network provides free, expert guidance on job accommodation solutions. The US Department of Labor (DOL) and its Employment and Training Administration (ETA) offer grant programmes and assistance for training and employment (note: US-based resources).
Conclusion
Navigating the financial landscape with a disability requires awareness of the various support systems available. From VAT exemptions and local council grants to specialised charities like Skiggle and discount programmes like Purpl, there are pathways to reduce costs for essential equipment and daily living. While many specific discount programmes listed originate from the United States, they illustrate the range of support that may exist. UK residents are advised to focus on locally available resources, beginning with a social care assessment from their local authority and exploring UK-specific discount platforms. Always verify the terms, conditions, and geographical eligibility of any programme directly with the provider before committing time or personal information.