VAT exemption

Did you know that you do not have to pay VAT on some goods and services if you are disabled and the goods are designed to help you with your daily living?

Age Cymru has found that many people are not aware of this benefit. Many of us could be paying VAT on some items and services we don't need to.

To qualify for this benefit the equipment or service must be intended for personal or domestic use by a disabled person and must relate to their disability.

The customer also needs to sign a declaration that that they  have a chronic illness or disability. Some examples of goods which a person may be able to claim VAT exemption on are: neck collars; wigs; stairlifts; commodes and wheelchairs.  

Not all goods and services for disabled people are eligible to be exempt from VAT.

To find out more about this scheme you can visit the Money, Tax and Benefits section of the DirectGov website or click here.  

To help us raise awareness about this issue, we would like to hear from you about your experiences:  

• Were you aware of this scheme?
• Have you ever encountered any difficulties accessing this benefit because staff weren't aware of the scheme?
• Did you find out about this scheme from someone else? Who told you? Was it a friend? staff in a local shop? your GP?

You can tell us your thoughts and exeriences of this issue by e-mailing campaigns@agecymru.org.uk or telephone 029 2043 1555.