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Personal wheelchair budgets are replacing the NHS wheelchair voucher scheme. But some local services may not offer wheelchair budgets yet.
The wheelchair service will give you a voucher instead. This has the same value as the chair they offer. You can use the voucher towards the cost of the chair you want.
You can then buy a chair privately using the voucher and other funding, such as:
If you use a voucher, the wheelchair belongs to you. You will need to maintain and repair it. The NHS will not pay for this.
Getting a grant can help you get a wheelchair for free or pay towards the total cost. You’ll need to meet the grant provider’s rules about:
Some disability charities and trusts offer grants and funding for equipment. Search different charities supporting your condition or impairment to find out how they can help.
Do not apply for a grant from a charity or trust unless you've checked if it will affect your means-tested (income-based) benefits. Talk about your options with your occupational therapist, care manager or local disability information and advice organisation.
Finding and applying for grants
Grants checker tool
Crowdfunding may help you pay for a wheelchair. Keep any money you raise in a separate bank account.
A strong story helps make fundraising successful. Make sure you are comfortable with sharing your personal life with the public before starting fundraising.
Money that you raise could be treated as income by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This could affect means-tested (income-based) benefits.
Savings and means-tested benefits
Contact the Scope helpline
The value must be greater than or equal to 1.
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