Understanding VAT and why you sometimes don’t have to pay it
When you buy most everyday items, the price includes VAT (Value Added Tax). It’s a tax that businesses collect on behalf of the Government and has been around for over 50 years.
For the majority of items, VAT is 20%, which means if you spend £120, then £20 of this goes to the Government and the remaining £100 goes to the retailer.
However, not everyone has to pay VAT on certain products.
The Government recognises that people who are disabled and/or have a long-term illness, often rely on specialist equipment, designed specifically for the disabled, to stay safe and independent. This is called VAT relief.
Over the years, Ability Superstore has helped many of our customers by explaining this in detail. However, the majority of customers have either never heard of this exemption from paying VAT, or are confused by the whole process. It’s certainly worth understanding if you can save 20% of the price!
On our website, Ability Superstore, you will clearly see which products are eligible to be sold with VAT relief by a small toggle icon and the words “Change VAT Type”, which you can use to…
… show the price with VAT (for those who are not eligible – i.e. they don’t have a lifelong medical condition), or …
… without VAT (for those who are eligible).
You can easily switch between the two prices and, if you do qualify for VAT relief, this will save you 20% of the price when you purchase and complete your VAT relief reason during the checkout process.
Why VAT relief exists
VAT relief was introduced to make life a little easier for those who rely on aids for everyday living.
Mobility products, such as rollators, bath boards, grab rails and shower stools aren’t luxury items, they’re essential items that help people move safely, wash independently and live more comfortably and independently at home.
By removing VAT from certain products, the Government aims to:
• Reduce costs for those with long-term conditions, or disabilities.
• Support independent living and home safety.
• Encourage accessibility for older adults who may not otherwise be able to afford these aids.
So, VAT relief isn’t a discount, or a sale, it’s a legal Government allowance that ensures people aren’t taxed on essential medical, or mobility equipment.
Who can claim VAT relief?
One of the most frequent questions we are asked is, “What makes me qualify for VAT relief?”
We have checked with HMRC and, unfortunately, there is no definitive list of medical conditions which qualify someone for VAT relief.
Qualification comes from a lifelong medical condition which you will live with forever – not a temporary condition. For example, if you have broken your arm, this should heal, so you would not qualify for VAT relief in this case. However, conditions such as arthritis, COPD, asthma, diabetes, cancer, dementia, heart disease and so on would qualify. To qualify, the item should be for personal/domestic use – so not for use in a commercial setting.
It's worth noting that old age on its own is not a valid reason for VAT relief.
So, to qualify for VAT relief, you don’t need to be registered disabled, and you don’t need to be claiming any benefits.
If you’re purchasing for someone else, perhaps a parent, partner, or a person you care for, you can also claim VAT relief on their behalf, as long as they meet the criteria.
Which products qualify for VAT relief?
Many of the items available at Ability Superstore qualify because they have been specifically designed to help with mobility, bathing, dressing, or general independence around the home.
Examples include:
• Rollators, walking frames and walking sticks – for safer movement indoors and outdoors.
• Bath boards, bath seats and shower stools – for comfortable, supported washing.
• Grab rails and hand rails – to help with balance and stability in bathrooms, hallways and entrances.
• Bed rails and over-bed tables – for added support when getting in, or out of bed.
• Perching stools and kitchen trolleys – for safer movement and support while preparing meals.
• Raised toilet seats and commodes – to make toileting safer and easier.
• Recliner chairs, cushions and posture supports – to aid comfort and independence at home.
Other products that may qualify include wheelchairs, hoists, pressure cushions, adjustable beds, and certain medical devices.
How to claim VAT relief when you buy
Claiming VAT relief is very simple. There’s no need for a doctor’s note, or complicated paperwork.
When you place your order with Ability Superstore, just follow these easy steps…
1. Choose your product and click the green “Add to cart” box on the product page.
2. A pop up window will then appear with the question, “Are you exempt from paying VAT?”
3. Here you choose either of the two options, “I do not pay VAT” or “I pay VAT”.
4. If you do qualify for VAT relief, click the “I do not pay VAT” button and fill in the panel below it – you just need to add the name of the person the item is being purchased for and their medical condition.
Once you've done that, then press the – Confirm & add to cart – button, and you will be taken to the next window confirming your decisions.
5. If you do not qualify for VAT relief click, the “I pay VAT” button instead and then press the – Confirm & add item to cart – button, and you will be…
… taken to the next window confirming your decisions.
We don’t need detailed medical evidence, just your declaration. The information stays confidential and is kept only for HMRC purposes.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, our friendly team is always happy to guide you before you buy.
Common misunderstandings about VAT relief
Because VAT relief is a government rule, rather than a shop promotion, it can cause confusion. Here are a few common questions we often hear…
“I’m over 60, does that mean I automatically qualify?”
Not always. Age alone doesn’t qualify. You need to have a long-term medical condition, or disability that affects your daily life.
“I’m buying for my mum who has arthritis. Can I claim?”
Yes. You can buy on behalf of someone else, as long as the person the product is for meets the eligibility criteria.
“Do I have to send in proof, or paperwork?”
No, you simply complete the short declaration form during checkout.
“Is VAT relief a sale, or discount?”
No. It’s a government exemption — a way of removing the 20% VAT charge from essential items.
“Can I claim VAT relief on everything I buy?”
No, only on qualifying mobility and medical products — not on general household goods, or accessories.
Why VAT relief matters
For many people, VAT relief can make a real difference.
A £100 product with VAT costs £120, but with VAT relief, you pay £100 instead of £120.
That 20% saving means people can afford safer, better-quality aids that truly improve independence and comfort.
At Ability Superstore, our goal is to make independent living affordable and accessible to everyone who needs support, and VAT relief is one of the ways we help make that happen.
How Ability Superstore can help
We know VAT rules can feel confusing at first, but we’re here to make things clear and simple.
Our helpful customer service team can…
• Explain which products qualify for VAT relief.
• Guide you through the short form at checkout.
• Check if you, or your loved one, are eligible before you buy.
If you have questions, just contact our friendly team — we’re always happy to help. You can email heretohelp@abilitysuperstore.com or call 0161 8500884.
You can also read more about VAT relief on the Government website.
We can help you get the right product, at the right price, without paying more than you need to.