Wheelchair Eligibility in Ireland: Claiming Taxes and Expenses on Your Wheelchair
There are an estimated forty thousand wheelchair users living in Ireland and many are unsure about the tax and expenses they can claim for equipment relating to their disability. Buying a wheelchair can be very expensive which is why it is a wise idea to find out whether you are eligible for a free wheelchair or can claim money back on a wheelchair you have already purchased. If you are disabled, it is important you make sure you are getting the best possible financial support for any equipment you require. There are three main options for financing your wheelchair.
Obtaining a Wheelchair for Free in Ireland
The first and best possible option for those with mobility problems is to obtain a wheelchair for free. This is feasible in Ireland for anyone with an HSE (Health Service Executive) medical card or anyone who is part of the HSE Long-Term Illness Scheme. Irish residents with either of these are entitled to a free wheelchair. Furthermore, if you have a medical card or are part of the Long-Term Illness Scheme, the HSE can provide you with other free equipment that is required to help ease daily life with a disability.
You may also qualify for a free wheelchair through the HSE if you are having hospital treatment which requires a wheelchair. To find out whether you are eligible for a free wheelchair without a medical card or if you are not a participant of the Long-Term Illness Scheme, contact the HSE (HSE.ie).
The equipment supplied through the HSE must be medically justified by a clinician and this can sometimes limit the budget and accessories that can make all the difference to the look of the wheelchair.
Claiming Wheelchair Expenses Through Health Insurance
If you cannot obtain a wheelchair for free with the HSE, it is important that you explore other financing options. Many health insurance companies in Ireland allow you to reclaim the cost of a wheelchair or any other necessary equipment for your disability. The best way to find out whether your private health insurance will allow you to claim on a wheelchair purchase is to contact them and find out if you qualify to make a claim.
In some cases, depending on your circumstances, you can get the full cost of your wheelchair back. If this is not possible, you may also be able to reclaim part of the cost, so it is extremely worthwhile enquiring with your insurance company. Make sure you give your health insurance company accurate details of your disability and wheelchair purchase.
Purchase privately, VAT free.
The third option is to purchase your wheelchair privately from personal funds. It is worth noting that any wheelchairs purchased in Ireland are exempt from VAT. If, however you do purchase a disability aid that has 21% VAT this can be claimed back. You can find out what equipment is eligible for a tax claim. The VAT 61A highlights eligible goods as products such as drinking and eating aids, walk-in baths, hoists, and stairlifts. Products that you hire rather than purchasing cannot be submitted for a VAT refund.
You can make a claim for VAT back on disability aids by submitting a tax form, which can be found online at revenue. The tax form you will need to submit is called the VAT 61A. To be qualified to receive a tax refund from Revenue for you must be a resident of Ireland, have a disability and be claiming on an item that you needed to help with your disability. Any tax forms that are submitted will require you to show proof of receipt, with the VAT included, so make sure that you have these ready in order to obtain your tax refund.
If you are in doubt as to whether you are eligible for a free wheelchair, or a claim on expenses then be sure you enquire with the relevant party. They will be happy to help.
Hi Stephen,
We would be happy to help, we have a great range and ideal chairs for indoor use. Could you kindly give us a contact phone number or email us your contact details to info@momentumhc.ie?
Many thanks
Aisling
How do I apply for one for my 85 year old mother in dublin 12 0862011268
Hi Linda,
In order to get a wheelchair through the HSE, you need to contact your Mother’s GP.
Many thanks
Momentum Healthcare
Hi, my dad is in hospital at the moment cancer in the spine but they want to send him home but will need a wheelchair I was just wondering if you could help he’s 71 and has a medical card
Hi Paul, I am sorry to hear your Dad is unwell. Your best point of contact is the occupational therapy department in the hospital. They usually get involved on discharge from the hospital anyway as far as I recall. But if not just ask if he is eligable for a wheelchair while he is in there, it will be easier than going the GP route when you get home. We can’t supply one directly to you, it has to come through the HSE. Best wishes, Aisling
Hi I have a wheelchair to give away to someone in need. It was only used a handful of times. Would love to see someone in need to have it.
Hi Paula, the best option is to put it up on DoneDeal for free, someone will gladly take it off your hands. We dont deal in second hand wheelchairs due to health and safety reasons.
Hi Denise,
You will need to contact you local GP and they can advise you on this.
Many thanks,
Momentum Healthcare
Hi Samantha,
We are sorry to hear this. Your best point of conact is your GP. They will be able to advise on the best options for you. We work with occupational theapists in the HSE but this comes from a referal from a GP.
Many thanks
Momentum Healthcare
Hello,
I am a paraplegic and paralyzed from the waist down. I am a permanent manual wheelchair user. Do I qualify for the HSE Long Term Illness program? I looked up their website and paraplegia is not listed as a condition for their criteria. Can you please advise?
Hi there and thank you for your comment and for taking the time to read our blog. As a private company, we cant advise on the governments criteria, however if you have any questions on the Lonterm Ilness Benefit application process, please LoCall 1890 252 919. Many thanks. Momentum Healthcare Team.
When you mention claiming the VAT back, do you mean it’s applied as a tax credit or that you actually get the money back?
Thanks in advance
Hi Ted,
To reclaim VAT on aids and appliances for persons with disabilities
You may reclaim Value-Added Tax (VAT) on certain aids and appliances for use by persons with disabilities. The relief applies to VAT on the purchase of aids and appliances designed to assist persons with disabilities.
These aids and appliances are used by such persons to assist in the performance of daily functions or in the exercise of a vocation. The relief is not allowed on services or on the rental of goods.
Examples of eligible goods are:
Necessary domestic aids (for example drinking and eating aids designed solely for persons with disabilities).
Walk-in baths designed for persons with disabilities.
Commode chairs and similar aids.
Lifting seats and specified chairs designed for persons with disabilities.
Hoists and lifters designed for invalids including stair lifts.
Communication aids designed for those unable to speak.
The relief is also available in certain circumstances to persons other than persons with disabilities. The relief may apply where other persons purchase such goods for the sole ownership, possession, and the exclusive use of a named person or persons with disabilities.
Hospitals, schools and similar institutions do not qualify for relief where the aids and appliances are for the benefit of the institution. The goods must be solely owned by, be in the sole possession and for the exclusive use of, the person with a disability.
A refund of the VAT on aids or appliances may be claimed by a person other than the person with a disability. Revenue may require evidence that the aid or appliance is exclusively used by, and in sole possession of, the person with a disability.
You should make applications for repayment on eRepayments through myAccount on ros.ie.
Your application must be submitted within four years from the end of the taxable period to which the claim relates.
I hope this helps,
Aisling
Do the HSE offer free wheelchair ramps for your home entrance
Hi Paddy, The HSE would send someone to do a home assesment and on that basis it may be approved. The best point of contact is you local GP.
I have terminal cancer and could do with the use of a wheelchair for short journies .IE carpark to hospital/doctor appointments, I have bought a scooter for longer events as I didn’t know there was help out there to buy one, can I get a wheelchair free on my medical card and how? I prefer email contact
Hi Mark, if you contact your GP they can best advise if you are eligible for free mobility aids. Every case is different and normally you would need to be eligible for the Long Term Illness Scheme – here is the link for you to have a look at – https://www2.hse.ie/services/long-term-illness-scheme/long-term-illness.html
Thank you,
Aisling
Hello ,looking to get a wheelchair for my 89 year old father who has now mobility problems he is a medical card holder, any help would be appreciated
Hi Dara,
Normally you would need to be eligible for the Long Term Illness Scheme – https://www2.hse.ie/services/long-term-illness-scheme/long-term-illness.html However this is not written in stone. If the wheelchair is for day trips and part time use, it is unlikely to get funding. There are very affordable wheelchairs available online in the range around €100, which may be an option. Momentum do not do wheelchairs in this range so I am afraid we can’t help on this occasion.
Thank you for your enquiry and interest in our article.
Aisling
Catherine Lynch I’m her daughter Gillian Lynch patient is Katherine Lynch I’m looking for a wheelchair for her a manual one is there any chance that somebody may get back to me and let me know
Hi Gillian, we are happy to help but we are a private wheelchair company that sell wheelchairs. I think you may be looking to obtain one from the HSE. If this is the case your best options are to contact your Mothers GP who will refer you onto Occupaitonal Therapy services. I hope this helpa. If we can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to call the office or email info@momentumhc.ie Thank you, Aisling