Home equipment grant

The Home Equipment Grant Fund provides support towards the cost of specialist equipment needed to live safely and independently at home.

It is made possible through the Property Impact Fund, supported by events organised by the commercial property industry, including our Microscope Ball.

You can apply for a Home Equipment Grant Fund if you:

• Live in the UK
• Have a muscle wasting or neuromuscular condition
• Need access to specialist equipment to live safely and independently at home

No. This means your income or savings won’t affect whether you can apply for a home equipment grant.

Each type of equipment has a maximum funding limit (tariff). The amount you may be awarded will depend on the equipment you need, along with available funds and demand.

We fund a range of home equipment, including:

• Profiling beds and riser recliner chairs
• Hoists and transfer aids
• Ramps and stair lifts
• Bathroom and toileting equipment
• Household aids and basic environmental controls

Please refer to the tariff for full details of what we can fund.

We cannot fund:

• Equipment that is intended solely for leisure or recreational use and does not meet an eligible need at home
• Equipment not included in our tariff
• Equipment already ordered or purchased
• Second-hand equipment (unless from a specialist dealer)
• Ongoing costs such as insurance, service plans, repairs, servicing or disposal costs
• Grants to people living outside of the UK

No. We cannot fund equipment that has already been purchased or ordered.

This is because we need to assess each application in advance, including reviewing a professional recommendation, to ensure the equipment is appropriate for your needs and safe for you to use.

The grant covers the cost of home equipment up to the tariff limit. Some equipment may cost more than the maximum grant available. You may be able to apply to other charities for additional funding.

However, you will be responsible for any additional costs, including disposal, and ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance and servicing.

We pay the supplier directly once your application has been approved.

This is because we’re funding the specific equipment agreed as part of your application, up to the approved amount. Paying the supplier directly helps us ensure the correct item is ordered and matches what has been assessed as suitable for your needs.

You’ll need:

A quote for the equipment from a supplier on official headed paper and include:

• Your name and application reference number
• The equipment item name and model
• The cost of the equipment (including VAT where applicable)
• The supplier’s name, postal address, contact details, and date the quote was issued

An assessment letter from a qualified professional (such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, care advisor, doctor, nurse or specialist dealer) confirming that the equipment you’re applying for is the best fit for your needs at home.

The assessment letter must be on official headed paper and include:

• Details of your condition
• A description of your needs in the home
• Why this model or type of equipment is needed in the home
• Your ability to use the equipment safely
• Assessor’s name, job title, workplace, and contact details

Yes. You will need to provide a supporting letter from a qualified professional, such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse, doctor or specialist dealer.

This letter should confirm your needs, why the equipment is suitable, and that you can use it safely. Please see what documents do I need to apply for further information.

You can still apply to the Home Equipment Grant Fund. However, it’s a good idea to check what support may be available through statutory services, such as the NHS or your local council, as you may be entitled to equipment through these routes.

Our fund is here to help where there are gaps in provision, or your needs aren’t fully met.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within 10 working days.

Once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed, you should receive a decision within one month. We may contact you sooner if we need further information.

If your application is not approved, it means it has not met the Home Equipment Grant Fund eligibility criteria.

We will let you know the reasons why your application was not approved.

You can find a list of other organisations you may also wish to apply to for funding here.

If you’re awarded a grant, you’ll be informed via email.

Once you’re ready to order the equipment, you’ll need to ask the equipment supplier to send us the invoice for the grant amount to: equipmentgrants@musculardystrophyuk.org

The invoice must be addressed to: Home Equipment Grant, Muscular Dystrophy UK, 32 Ufford Street, London SE1 8QD

The invoice must include:

• Your name and application number
• The name and model of the equipment
• The cost of the equipment up to the awarded amount (including VAT where applicable)
• The supplier’s name, postal address, contact details, and the date the invoice was issued

Once we receive the invoice, we’ll follow up with you to confirm your order has been placed and a delivery date arranged with the supplier. We’ll pay the supplier directly once you confirm this.

If you do not use the grant within 6 months, it will be released back to the Home Equipment Grant Fund. If you no longer need the grant, please let us know as soon as you can.

Yes. Once the equipment has been purchased, it will belong to you.