Do You Qualify for VAT Exemption?

Generally speaking if you have a disability you will pay VAT on most things much like everyone else does in the UK. However, did you know that with certain products and services you can get VAT relief if you suffer from a disability. Goods that can be bought VAT free include:

• Medical and surgical appliances.
• Invalid wheelchairs and Mobility scooters.
• Equipment to aid the hard of hearing and low vision aids.
• Specialist beds.
• Chair and stair lifts.
• Rise and recline chairs and other lifting equipment.
• Goods that have been designed solely for disabled people.
• Computer equipment.
• Emergency alarm call systems.
• Boats.
• Other parts and accessories.

You can also hire products or services without paying VAT too. The retailer or supplier’s are responsible for checking whether the goods are eligible to be sold VAT free.

The Personal Alarm

Personal alarms qualify as a VAT exempt product, which means that as long as you meet the criteria set by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), you will not have to pay any VAT when you purchase an alarm. HMRC state that a product which has been "designed or adapted for a disability" qualifies for VAT exemption. Our personal alarm service aims to help anyone frail or disabled, and whom might require emergency help. With prices as little as £12.49 a month with VAT exemption, you can get a personal alarm that is monitored 24/7 by a dedicated Care Team

We believe that we offer the most affordable personal alarm service available in the UK. If you don’t agree then please give us a call, free on 0800 999 0400, and we will price match against any similar provider in your area.

More people want to stay in their own home longer and with cuts to domicile care-making it's hard for people and their loved ones to have the peace of mind that they can be safe without having to move. Statistics show that in the UK, falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths in people over the age of 75. A national audit released earlier this year claimed that falls among elderly people was now the most common cause of major trauma seen in NHS hospitals. A personal alarm is the perfect solution for elderly or disabled people living on their own as they allow those who use the alarm to call for assistance if they have an accident or a fall in their home. They are ideal for helping the elderly and vulnerable to feel safe as they remain independent for longer. They work by alerting our 24-hour Care Team, who have emergency contact details of friends, family or neighbours available so they can contact them on the user of the alarms behalf to go and help. The Care Team can also contact the emergency services if they are required.

VAT Exempt Criteria

For customers, HMRC have given some criteria which must be met in order for a personal alarm to be ordered VAT free. This criteria states that the customer must have a long-term illness, a terminal illness or a disability in order to qualify. The World Health Organisation states that a long-term or chronic illness is one that lasts longer than three months. Examples of these conditions include the following: A long-term physical or mental impairment that has a negative impact on your day to day life also qualifies for the VAT exempt prices. Examples would include:

Who Doesn't Qualify for VAT Exemption?

HMRC state that an elderly person without a disability or illness do not qualify for VAT exemption. Being 'elderly' does not mean that a customer qualifies for VAT Exemption. It's also important to note that somebody who is only temporarily disabled, for example somebody with a broken leg, does not qualify for VAT exemption either.

What's Next?

When you order a personal alarm, either through the LifeConnect24 website or over the phone, you will be asked whether or not you qualify for VAT exemption. Once you have completed your order, you simply need to fill in our VAT Relief form with your name and medical condition(s). You then send this form back to us via post or online via our welcome email. Once this is completed we can confirm the VAT free price.

For further information please give our friendly team a call on 0800 999 0400.