What can I get free?

Ask your council for a free needs assessment, usually by an occupational therapist. In England, if you are eligible, the council must provide aids and minor adaptations costing £1,000 or less free of charge — that covers most walking aids and grab rails. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

NHS physiotherapists can often supply walking sticks and frames after an assessment. Ask your GP for a referral.

If you have a long-term illness or disability, you should not have to pay VAT on most mobility aids. Ask the seller for a VAT relief form before you pay.

Not sure which aid you need? Get impartial advice first, from people who are not selling anything. Living Made Easy

If you need a wheelchair long term, the NHS may provide one free after a referral and assessment. It is loaned and repaired free of charge. NHS Wheelchair Services

Ask about a Personal Wheelchair Budget — you can add your own money to get a better chair than the standard one. NHS Wheelchair Services

Need one for a few weeks, after an operation or for a holiday? The British Red Cross lends wheelchairs short term in many areas. British Red Cross — Mobility Aids

The Motability Scheme can lease you a scooter or powered wheelchair if you get the higher rate mobility part of PIP or DLA. Attendance Allowance does not count for Motability.

Wheelchairs and scooters bought for a disabled person are usually free of VAT. Ask the seller.

Ask your council for a free occupational therapist assessment before you buy. A level-access shower is often recommended instead of a bath — and is more likely to be funded. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

A Disabled Facilities Grant can pay for bathroom adaptations — up to £30,000 in England. It is means tested for adults. Wales and Northern Ireland have similar grants; in Scotland, ask your council about its Scheme of Assistance. Foundations — Home Improvement Agencies

Do not sign up before the assessment if you hope to get a grant. Grants are not usually paid for work already done.

Adapting a bathroom for a disabled person, and the bath or shower itself, can be zero-rated for VAT.

Check any installer belongs to a trade body with a complaints route before they visit. British Healthcare Trades Association

A Disabled Facilities Grant can pay for a stairlift or home lift — up to £30,000 in England, means tested for adults. Get the council assessment first, because grants are not usually paid for work already done. Foundations — Home Improvement Agencies

Stairlifts and their installation are zero-rated for VAT if you are disabled or have a long-term illness.

Reconditioned and rental stairlifts can cost far less than new — ask every supplier for all three prices.

If only one or two steps are the problem, ask about a step lift or a second handrail first. A council occupational therapist can advise for free. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

Riser recliner chairs designed for disabled people can be bought without VAT if you have a long-term illness or disability.

A council occupational therapist may suggest free alternatives first, such as chair raisers fitted to the chair you already have. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

Get impartial advice on seat height and depth before you visit a showroom. Living Made Easy

Small aids — kettle tippers, perching stools, bath boards, raised toilet seats — are often provided free by your council after a needs assessment. In England, aids costing £1,000 or less must be free if you are eligible. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

Compare impartial advice on which aid suits you before buying anything. Living Made Easy

Most daily living aids for disabled people can be bought without VAT. Look for the VAT relief option at checkout.

Anyone can ask their council for a free care needs assessment, whatever their income or savings. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

Attendance Allowance is not means tested. If you are over State Pension age and need help with personal care, you may get it even if you have savings. Age UK

Family carers can ask for their own free carer's assessment from the council. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

If the main need is health rather than personal care, ask whether NHS Continuing Healthcare applies — it is fully funded by the NHS.

Before choosing an agency, look up its inspection rating. It is free. Care Quality Commission

Get a free, confidential benefits check. Many older people miss out on money they are entitled to. Independent Age

Attendance Allowance is not means tested — savings and income do not affect it. Age UK

Pension Credit can also unlock a free TV licence if you are 75 or over, plus help with council tax and heating costs. Citizens Advice

Many councils run their own community alarm service. Some provide it free or at reduced cost after an assessment — ask before you buy privately. NHS — Social Care and Support Guide

Personal alarms for disabled people can usually be bought without VAT.

Whoever you choose, check the monitoring centre is accredited by TSA, the industry body.

Everything in this category is free. You do not need a referral — you can call or sign up yourself.

The Silver Line is open 24 hours a day, every day, on 0800 4 70 80 90. The Silver Line