Living with a muscle wasting condition can often mean needing access to vital specialist equipment to live safely and independently at home.
Having the right equipment can be life-changing, and can make a big difference in supporting independence, comfort and safety.
Our Home Equipment Grant Fund is here to help when statutory services, like the NHS or your local council, can’t meet your needs.
You can apply for a home equipment grant if:
Our grants are not means tested. This means your income or savings do not affect your eligibility.
It’s important to first check what you may be entitled to from statutory services, such as the NHS or your local council, by seeking an assessment. Your GP or clinical team can help with a referral if you’ve not had one before.
Our Home Equipment Grant Fund will fund practical home equipment including profiling beds, hoists, ramps, bathroom equipment, positioning aids, and home support equipment.
Our tariff below includes a list of the items we can fund, and the maximum amount of funding you can be awarded.
Mobility and access equipment
| Equipment | Tariff |
| Mobile ramp | Up to £350 |
| Permaramp | Up to £850 |
| Stepless heavy duty wheelchair ramp | Up to £1,400 |
| High rise wheelchair ramp system | Up to £1,600 |
| Stair lifts | Up to £3,000 |
Hoisting and moving & handling
| Equipment | Tariff |
| Mobile hoist | Up to £2,500 |
| Transfer aids and transfer supports (incl. transfer boards, swivel cushions, patient turners, sit-to-stand aids, hoists, transfer slings) | Up to £500 |
| Transfer boards | Up to £300 |
Toileting and bathroom equipment
| Equipment | Tariff |
| Closomat toilet | Up to £4,000 |
| Commode | Up to £200 |
| Raised toilet seat | Up to £100 |
| Shower chair / shower stool | Up to £150 |
| Shower commode chair (standard) | Up to £200 |
| Bathroom aids (incl. grab rails, bath boards, toilet surrounds, bath seats, non-slip bath or shower mats, long-handled washing aids, tap turners, and step stools) | Up to £400 |
Bedroom equipment
| Equipment | Tariff |
| Profiling bed (single) | Up to £1,500 |
| Profiling bed (double) | Up to £4,000 |
| Riser recliner chair | Up to £1,000 |
| Sleep support (incl. positioning wedges, support cushions, sleep positioning systems, pressure relief supports, and bed safety supports) | Up to £250 |
Household aids and home environment controls
| Equipment | Tariff |
| Household aids (incl. furniture risers, perching stools, adapted cutlery and cups, food preparation aids, jar and bottle openers, and kettle tippers)
|
Up to £150 |
| Basic environmental controls (including switch-controlled or remote-controlled devices, basic door entry assistance (non-structural), lighting control adaptations, and curtain controls) | Up to £1,000 |
The amount you can expect to be awarded will depend on available funds and demand.
If your application is successful, the grant will go towards the cost of buying the equipment, and you’ll own the equipment. You’ll be responsible for delivery costs, and any future costs, including insurance, repairs, servicing and disposal.
Please consider these ongoing costs when choosing equipment for your home, and before making an application. We’ll ask you to confirm you’re happy to take on this responsibility when you apply.
We can’t fund
To make an application, you’ll need to complete this form with the following supporting information
1. A quote for the equipment from a supplier, on official headed paper
This must include:
2. An assessment letter from a qualified professional such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, care advisor, doctor, nurse or specialist dealer) confirming your condition and that the equipment you’re applying for is the best fit for your needs.
This must include:
You have 30 days to complete your application. Simply select ‘Save and continue’ to receive an email link and return to your application any time during that period. If you haven’t submitted it within 30 days, it will expire and you’ll have to start a new one.
Please read the FAQs below before you apply.
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
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.
The Home Equipment Grant Fund is possible thanks to the Property Impact Fund, which is supported by several events organised and attended by members of the commercial property industry including our Microscope Ball.
What is the Home Equipment Grant Fund?
The Home Equipment Grant Fund provides support towards the cost of essential 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.
Who can apply?
You can apply for a Home Equipment Grant Fund if you:
Is the grant means tested?
No. This means your income or savings won’t affect whether you can apply for a home equipment grant.
How much funding can I get?
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.
How do I apply?
You can apply by completing the online application form on our website. You can save your progress at any time and return to it at any time before submitting.
What equipment can I apply for?
We fund a range of home equipment, including:
Please refer to the tariff for full details of what we can fund.
What equipment do you not fund?
We cannot fund:
Can I apply if I’ve already bought the equipment?
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.
Do I need to contribute financially?
The grant covers the cost of equipment up to the tariff limit, so you do not need to pay towards the item itself.
However, you will be responsible for any additional costs, including delivery and disposal, installation, and ongoing costs such as insurance, maintenance and servicing.
Why is the grant paid directly to the supplier?
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.
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need:
1. A quote for the equipment from a supplier, on official headed paper
This must include:
2. 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.
The assessment letter must be on official headed paper and include:
Do I need an assessment to apply?
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.
Do I need to go through NHS or local authority services first?
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.
How long does the application process take?
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.
How is the grant paid?
If your application is successful, the grant will be paid directly to the supplier.
Once you’ve placed your order, you’ll need to confirm this with us and provide a delivery date before we can arrange payment.
Will delivery or installation be covered?
No. The grant only covers the cost of the equipment itself.
Will I own the equipment?
Yes. Once the equipment has been purchased, it will belong to you.
You will be responsible for its safe use, maintenance, insurance, and any future repairs or servicing.
How long do I have to use the grant?
You must use your grant within six months of the award being confirmed.
If it is not used within this time, the funding will be returned to the grant fund.
Can I apply more than once?
You can only make one application per financial year. If more than one eligible person lives in the same household, they can each make a separate application.
Can I get help if the equipment costs more than the grant?
Some equipment may cost more than the maximum grant available. You may be able to apply to other charities for additional funding.
You can find more information on our help with the cost of equipment webpage.
Who can I contact for help?
If you have any questions or need support with your application, please contact us:
Email: equipmentgrants@musculardystrophyuk.org
Phone: 020 7803 4811
We know that some equipment can cost more than the home equipment grant fund can offer. You might be able to get help from other charities.
Visit our help with the cost of equipment page to learn more.
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