What Is VAT Exemption and Which Conditions Qualify?

VAT exemption is a scheme that’s designed to help people who are disabled or have long-term illnesses by omitting tax on products and services that are related to your condition. Simply put, it means you won’t pay 20% VAT on essential healthcare-related things that support or help with illness or disability. This can apply to everything from products and care aids to home renovations and support installations. 

Whether you’re living with a long-term illness or disability or you’re caring for someone who is, it’s important to know which conditions and products are eligible for VAT exemption and how the process works to ensure you’re getting the financial relief you’re entitled to. 

Here, we’ll explore how VAT exemption works, which conditions qualify for VAT relief, the products we can offer here at HSL that fall under this scheme, and how to apply for VAT exemption.

VAT exemption is a government scheme that is in place to provide financial relief for people living with a long-term illness or disability. If you qualify for VAT relief, you won’t pay the standard 20% tax on products and services that you need to support your condition.

While VAT relief is a government initiative, the VAT exemption process is typically handled by the store or service provider. Most businesses will ask you to fill out a form to declare your VAT exempt status (which they will need to file when they process their own tax claims). After filling out the relevant form, VAT will be deducted upfront from your total purchase amount. 

Here at HSL Chairs, we’ll take care of everything during your Home Visit or when you visit your local showroom. Please let us know that you have VAT exemption status and we’ll ask you to fill out a form. Once we’ve verified that your products are eligible for VAT relief, we’ll remove the VAT from your final quote.

It’s important to note that this process will vary depending on the business or service provider, so it’s worth asking beforehand to make sure you have all the information you need to claim VAT relief.  

Depending on your disability or illness and how it affects your lifestyle and circumstances, there are many different products or services that may help to support your daily activities.

Here at HSL Chairs, you can apply your VAT-exempt status to:

• Riser Recliners: Designed to provide premium posture support and mobility aid, our riser chairs are available with single and dual motor options that allow you to lift and tilt the backrest and seat to help you sit down and stand back up comfortably. Available in both leather and fabric finishes in a variety of classic and contemporary styles, you can find an option that suits your mobility needs and sense of style.

• Adjustable Beds: Built with electronic aids that elevate and contour to support you and your most comfortable sleeping positon, you’re in control of the height and position of your mattress. Available in all sizes, you can select a style and supportive mattress to create your ultimate comfortable sleep solution.

VAT exemption is designed to support those who have a chronic illness or disability that affects your daily life and ability to move through a regular routine. You may qualify for VAT relief if you:

• have a physical or mental impairment that affects everyday activities

• have a chronic condition that’s diagnosed as an illness or sickness

• have a terminal illness

This doesn’t include elderly people who aren’t disabled or chronically sick, or those who are temporarily incapacitated. If in doubt, get in touch with your GP or healthcare provider for advice about whether your condition makes you eligible for VAT exemption.

According to the UK government, you must have a chronic medical condition or disability that affects your ability to perform everyday activities in order to qualify for VAT exempt status. This includes:

• Chronic illnesses

• Long-term illnesses

• Impairments that affect your mobility

• Blindness and visual impairments

We’ve put together a list of specific conditions that may classify you as eligible for VAT relief:

• Alzheimers

• Amputee

• Arthritis

• Bronchiectasis

• Cancer

• Cerebral Palsy

• Cerebral Vasculitis

• COPD

• Degenerative Spine

• Dementia

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy

• Fibromyalgia

• Lymphedema

• Motor Neuron Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Parkinson's

• Partially Sighted

• Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Pneumonia

• Respiratory Failure

• Rheumatism

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Scoliosis

• Spina Bifida

• Stroke

Please note that this list is designed to help provide guidance and is not designed to provide official medical advice or diagnosis. Please contact your GP or a medical professional if you have specific questions about your health and eligibility for VAT exempt status. 

VAT relief is an important initiative for those who are living with a chronic illness or disability as it ensures you’re able to access essential goods and services you need while benefitting from the financial relief you’re entitled to.

We strive to provide comfort and peace of mind, to help ease the challenges you may face and make your everyday routine easier to navigate. If you have questions about how VAT relief works at HSL Chairs or you’re looking for advice about which products best suit your lifestyle and mobility needs, please reach out to our friendly team today.