People who are limited in their mobility have the opportunity to regain lost independence by installing a stair lift. In practice, however, a high hurdle must first be overcome in advance: The financing of the stair lift. Costs of at least 3,000 € should be planned in any case when buying a stairlift. Sometimes, however, a stairlift can cost more than five times as much. Many interested parties are therefore dependent on financing or a loan.
Seat lifts can be a great help to regain lost mobility. However, the installation of a stair lift is expensive. Even simple stair lifts for short and straight stairs usually cost at least 3,000 €. However, costs of over 15,000 € can also be incurred, for example for curved stairs. The financing of the seat lift is therefore a very important factor.
What costs should one expect when buying a stair lift?
Simple seat lifts are available from about 3,000 €. At this price, however, usually only models are offered that are suitable for small and straight stairs. Whether such a stair lift is suitable depends primarily on the structural situation in the staircase. For example, if several floors must be overcome or the staircase goes around curves, the cost can easily rise to 10,000 or up to 20,000 €.
The price also depends on the design of the stairlift. Platform lifts, which are especially designed for wheelchair users, usually have a higher price than standing or sitting lifts. Financing the stair lift is not always easy due to the high cost. Reputable providers advise customers therefore in advance of the purchase in detail about options for financing, installment purchase or any funding opportunities.
How can the cost of a stairlift be reduced?
It is not always necessary to purchase a new seat lift. Stairlifts usually have a long service life. The purchase of a used stairlift can therefore make perfect sense. Used lifts are particularly suitable for uncomplicated and straight stairs. There are dealers who specialize in the sale of used stairlifts. Up to 50 percent can be saved in this way.
Photo: © Thyssenkrupp AGIt is also possible to buy privately. The savings potential is even greater this way, but costs for testing and assembly are usually incurred in addition to the purchase price. Another alternative is to rent a stairlift. If a seat lift is only needed for a specific period of time, renting may be a better alternative to financing. However, renting a stair lift is usually also only possible for uncomplicated and straight stairs.
What subsidies and grants are there?
Health insurance companies do not subsidize the installation of a stair lift in Germany, as the seat lift is not one of the aids that require benefits. However, it is possible to receive a grant from care insurance. The maximum amount of the subsidy is 4,000 €.
Financing the stair lift through the care insurance, which covers 100 percent of the costs, is therefore not possible. It should also be noted that the care insurance only pays subsidies if there is a nursing care degree. In addition, certain pre-insurance periods must be fulfilled. Whether financing or a subsidy for financing can be expected from the care insurance should be clarified with a specialist advisor before purchasing.
Which agencies offer additional funding?
In addition to care insurance, there are other agencies that can provide funding for the stairlift or at least subsidize it. Which cost bearer comes into question for this, is very dependent on the individual situation. In the case of an accident at work, for example, the costs of the stairlift can be covered by the Employer’s Liability Insurance Association. If there is an accident with third-party fault, the liability insurance of the other party involved in the accident can be held liable.
Source: kfw.de | KfW Image Archive | Photographer: Thomas KlewarOther cost units that come into question are the state welfare association, the main welfare office, the statutory pension insurance, the accident insurance and the Federal Employment Agency. To what extent a subsidy or complete financing can be realized through one of these cost units should be discussed directly with the provider of the stairlift.
Are there other subsidies or forms of financing?
The installation of a seat lift is a residential adaptation. There are organization that support and promote the appropriate conversion. One example is the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW). The KfW can help with the financing of the stairlift, for example through a low-interest loan.
Regional organizations or banks often offer similar programs. Suppliers of stairlifts are usually aware of eligible subsidy programs and take these into account when making an offer in addition to the option of normal installment purchases. Some form of subsidy is also available from the government itself: The costs incurred in connection with the installation of a stair lift may be tax deductible.
Dear Sir or Madam, we probably need a consultation on site (Neustadt an der Weinstraße). We need a lift, actually we wanted an outside lift, but do not know if it is possible with the existing stairs. We live on a slope. Or a stair lift for inside, because my mother is 86 and has big mobility problems. We would be grateful if you could contact us.
With kind regards
Margarete Meinhardt
I take care of a boy with muscle disease (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) in my house. He often has to sleep here as well. However, the sleeping room is on the upper floor. Until now, he could still climb the stairs with help, but now he can’t, so his care here is limited. I have already had the costs for a stair lift calculated. My question now is: Can I expect a subsidy from anyone? My own care insurance is out of the question, since I myself am not disabled.