ADVICE ON APPLYING FOR MOBILITY EQUIPMENT FUNDING

Purchasing specialist mobility equipment is a big financial commitment, particularly for people who need multiple items such as a wheelchair, a specialist chair, an adjustable bed, and other daily living aids.

For children, the cost can be even greater, as they continue to grow and need to transition from paediatric equipment sizes to full-sized adult versions.

But help may be available from charities that offer grants towards the cost of mobility equipment.

Here at Independence Mobility, we’re passionate about changing lives for the better and we’re proud to have delivered life-changing mobility equipment to many individuals and families who have received funding from UK charities. We want to help many more, so here is some useful information on applying for mobility equipment grants and funding.

Which charities offer funding for mobility equipment?

A list of charities that we are aware of that offer funding for mobility equipment can be found on our website here - https://www.independencemobility.co.uk/charities-list.html. The list is split into adults and children’s charities.

Each charity has its own set of eligibility requirements and guidelines on what items they support, so it’s essential to check their website and contact them for clarification before proceeding.

How do I apply for a mobility equipment grant from a charity?

When you’ve done your research, the process for applying for funding from charities is usually very similar, although there may be some slight variations in the application process from charity to charity.

Step 1: Arrange an assessment with a mobility products provider, such as us, for the equipment that is required. The equipment that you or a family member requires will have been advised by an Occupational Therapist or a Physiotherapist.

Step 2: Following the assessment, the mobility products provider will produce a quote, detailing the specific equipment recommended, and the cost to purchase those items.

Step 3: Request a supporting letter from the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to verify the equipment required.

Step 4: Submit your application for funding to the charity. This is usually done online, but some charities may require an offline form to be completed. We recommend applying to at least 3 charities to increase the chance of an application being accepted.

Step 5: If you haven’t had any feedback from the charities within 4 weeks of applying, follow up with them by phone or email.

Step 6: If your funding application is approved, contact the mobility equipment provider to place the order for the equipment specified in the quote.

Step 7: When your mobility equipment is in stock and ready to go, the provider will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery day and time.

Step 8: When the mobility products provider delivers your equipment, they will ensure that it is set up correctly and that you are comfortable with using it.

If you would like to arrange a mobility equipment assessment for yourself or a family member prior to applying for funding, please get in touch by calling 0113 262 8000.