If you're living with a long-term illness or disability, you may be entitled to 0% VAT on certain products and services. Known as VAT exemption or VAT relief, this can significantly reduce the cost of essential items designed to support your daily life.
But how does it work, who qualifies, and what products are included? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is VAT Exemption?
VAT exemption allows chronically sick or disabled individuals to buy certain goods and services without paying VAT. This includes:
🛠️ Products designed solely for disabled individuals, such as:
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- Adjustable beds and riser-recliner chairs
- Blue Badge Permit Cover
- Radar Keys
- Hearing aids
- Visual aids for blind people
- Certain incontinence products
- Communication aids for those with speech impairments
- Stairlifts and hoists
🏠 Adaptation services, including:
- Building work to modify a home (e.g., installing ramps, widening doorways)
- Installation of accessible bathrooms or kitchens
- Equipment installation like chair lifts or specially adapted showers
📦 Hire services, like:
- Rental of disability equipment (e.g., mobility aids, hoists)
- Maintenance or repair services for qualifying items
Not all items qualify, even if they’re used by disabled people. For example, a general-purpose computer or mattress wouldn’t typically be eligible unless specially designed for disability support.
Who Qualifies for VAT Relief?
Under VAT law, you must be considered chronically sick or disabled to claim relief. That includes people who:
- Have a physical or mental impairment with a long-term, serious impact on daily life
- Have a condition classified as a chronic sickness (e.g., diabetes, arthritis)
- Are terminally ill
🚫 You do not qualify if you:
- Have a temporary injury (e.g., broken arm or leg)
- Are elderly but otherwise not disabled
How to Claim VAT Exemption
Claiming is easier than you might think—and you don’t need to provide medical documents.
At Blue Badge Co we have made it very simple. Here’s how to do it on our website:
- Sign up using the button near the search bar.
- During registration, declare that you're VAT exempt.
- When you're logged in, you will be able to select the VAT-exempt price option
🧠 Tip: Not sure if an item qualifies? Always ask the retailer! Rules can be complex, and sellers can guide you through the process or confirm product eligibility.
Prices on Our Website
We aim to keep things transparent:
- All eligible products show both VAT-inclusive and VAT-exclusive prices
- If you're not logged in, you'll see a reminder to sign in and declare exemption
- Please note: postage charges are not VAT exempt
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- VAT relief rules are set by HMRC—we don’t decide what qualifies
- We don’t make more or less money whether VAT is charged or not
- If you don’t declare exemption at checkout, we must charge VAT
- Not all products are VAT exempt. If an item isn’t eligible, VAT applies at the standard rate
- Once an order is placed, we cannot apply VAT relief retroactively
Need More Info?
Want to dive deeper into the rules? Check out HMRC’s guidance on VAT relief for disabled people at gov.uk.
Or give their Charities Helpline a call: 📞 Telephone: 0300 123 1073
Final Thought
If you think you may be eligible for VAT exemption, don’t be afraid to ask! Retailers are usually happy to help explain the process and guide you through what applies.
Knowing your rights can save you money—and help you access the products you need.