Funding and how to get disability equipment

The provision and funding of equipment can appear to be very complicated, with different items being provided by different sources. This sometimes depends on where the item is to be used - e.g. at school, at home, at work.

There is now a move to "Integrated Community Equipment Stores", which should help to eliminate some of these divisions, when equipment that is required could be the responsibility of several funding bodies. If specialist items are required, again joint funding may be the solution. In this case it is always important to ensure that you know who will be responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Charitable bodies and trusts can also help to fund certain items, if they are not provided by the statutory services in your area.

Equipment funding

For details of equipment provision and funding, please download this document: Equipment funding (507 kb)

(This information can also be found in Chapter 12 “Funding of Adaptations and Equipment” in the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's Adaptations Manual, 2nd edition.)

Justifying the need for equipment

In order to be able to justify the provision of certain more costly items, it is important that both those needing the equipment and the professional involved, such as an occupational therapist, understand why the item is needed. 

Any information appearing on our website or in our factsheets can be copied and included in letters, to support the need.