Help with the cost of equipment

The right equipment can make a big difference to you or your child’s comfort, independence, and safety. This can include things like wheelchairs, walking frames, specialist beds, hoists, car seats, equipment for toileting and bathing, and communication aids.
But equipment can be expensive, and not everything is provided by the NHS or your local council. However, you may be able to get help with the cost of these from charities and other organisations.

Some essential equipment can be provided by the NHS or your local council’s social care services. This is often called statutory support, and what you can get depends on your needs and where you live.

Equipment to help at home

Your local council may be able to provide equipment to help with everyday tasks and to make small changes to your home, free of charge.

To get this help, you usually need a needs assessment carried out by an occupational therapist. They’ll visit your home to see how you live and what you need.

To ask for an assessment, contact the adult or children’s social care team at your local council.

Mobility equipment

If you need walking aids, a physiotherapist or occupational therapist can assess you and recommend equipment. Let them know if something is not working for you – they may be able to offer you a different aid.

If you need a wheelchair, you can ask your GP, neuromuscular team, or physiotherapist to refer you to your local NHS wheelchair service. In some areas, you can refer yourself online.

After an assessment, they will tell you what wheelchair you’re eligible for. You do not have to accept the wheelchair they offer – you may be able to get an NHS personal wheelchair budget instead. This is a voucher provided by the NHS that you can use to pay for a different wheelchair, either from the NHS or from a private provider, if what you’re offered does not meet your needs. The budget is based on what the NHS would normally spend, and you can top it up with your own funds or a grant.

Many charities offer grants to help pay for equipment. Some help children, others help adults, and many help people on low incomes or with certain needs.

Each charity has its own eligibility criteria and rules about what they fund, so it’s important to check before applying. Most grant applications need to be supported by a health or social care professional.

Grants do not need to be paid back, and you can usually apply to more than one charity. We’ve included a few options below.

Our grants

Joseph Patrick Trust (JPT) – Muscular Dystrophy UK
We offer grants towards the cost of powered mobility equipment for children and adults with a muscle wasting condition.

For detailed information on JPT and how to apply

Grant finders

If you’re not sure which charities or organisations to apply to, grant finder websites can help. You can search based on your situation, location, or needs.

Disability Grants

Turn2us

Charities that give grants

Caudwell Children
Funds equipment for disabled children and young people under 19.

Hospital Saturday Fund
Gives grants for mobility equipment, forms of treatment, or home adaptations.

Independence at Home
Gives grants to help pay for specialist equipment or home adaptations for people in financial need.

Mobility Trust
Provides powered wheelchairs and scooters for people who cannot get them through the NHS.

Newlife
Offers equipment grants and emergency loans of items for children under 18.

React
Helps families of children with life-limiting conditions with the cost of mobility equipment, travel, and breaks.

SMA UK
Gives grants for equipment for people living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Whizz-Kidz
Helps fund mobility aids, including wheelchairs, for children and young people under 18.

Some organisations can provide equipment for free, without needing a grant or payment. This might be a loan, a one-off item, or something specially made or adapted to suit your needs.

Free equipment loan services for children

Designability – Wizzybug Loan Scheme
Lends fun, powered Wizzybug wheelchairs for free to children aged 14 months to around five years (or up to 20kg).

Newlife – Emergency equipment Loan Service
Provides urgent loans of items like beds, buggies, and seating for children with life threatening/limiting conditions or terminal illness.

Free custom-made and adapted equipment

Demand
Design or modify existing equipment to better meet your needs. They can also provide advice about equipment.

Remap
Designs and builds custom-made equipment, when there’s nothing suitable available to buy.

Author: Muscular Dystrophy UK
Last reviewed: June 2025
Next review due: June 2028