Financing a stairlift: How to secure up to €4,000 and more for accessible living
09/06/2025
3
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Has the staircase become an insurmountable obstacle? That does not have to mean the end of independence in your own home. Discover how you can secure funding for a stairlift for accessible living and save thousands of euros in the process.
The topic in brief and concise terms
With an approved care level, you can apply to the care insurance fund for a subsidy of up to €4,000 for a stairlift.
The remaining costs after deducting grants can be claimed as an extraordinary expense for tax purposes, which requires a medical certificate.
Applications for grants must always be submitted before the stairlift is purchased and installed, so as not to lose entitlement.
Secure a subsidy: long-term care insurance as the first point of contact
The most important building block for financing a stair lift is long-term care insurance. From care level one onwards, you can apply for a grant for measures to improve the living environment. The care fund provides up to EUR 4,000 per eligible person for installation.
If two people with a care level live in one household, the possible grant doubles to EUR 8,000. The maximum grant for a household is EUR 16,000 for four eligible persons. It is important to submit the application for the cost subsidy before purchasing and installing the lift. Retrospective approval is generally excluded. Good preparation is essential for a smooth process, and a suitable supplementary long-term care insurance policy can also help. Careful planning in advance is therefore the first step towards successful financing.
Government funding programmes: check KfW Bank loans
Another pillar of financing is the programmes of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). The well-known grant programme “Barrier-free Renovation – Investment Grant (455-B)” is unfortunately currently suspended due to a lack of federal funds. Applications for this direct grant of ten per cent of the costs are currently not possible. However, it is advisable to keep an eye on the KfW website in case the programme is reactivated.
As an alternative, the KfW offers the subsidised loan “Barrier-free Renovation (159)”. With this loan, you can finance up to EUR 50,000 for barrier-free remodelling. This loan is independent of age and also accessible to tenants. It is ideal for closing the financing gap after deducting other grants. A modernisation loan for the conversion can be a useful addition here. You should enquire about the exact terms directly with the KfW or your local bank.
Make use of tax benefits: deduct residual costs as exceptional expenses
Once all grants have been exhausted, you can claim the remaining costs for the stairlift for tax purposes. The expenses are treated as exceptional expenses in your tax return. A medical certificate confirming the medical necessity of the lift is required.
The tax office deducts a so-called reasonable burden from the total costs, the amount of which depends on your income, marital status and the number of children. If the lift costs, for example, €8,000 and your care insurance grant is €4,000, you can claim the remaining €4,000. Important: any grants received must be deducted from the total costs before you enter them in your tax return. The remaining amount can noticeably reduce your tax burden and is an often overlooked way to reduce monthly expenses. So the financial burden is shared.
Practical implementation: A guide to submitting an application
A structured approach is crucial for the success of your applications. Follow the correct order so that you do not lose any funding. Here is a recommended approach:
Apply for a care level: If you do not already have one, submit an application to your long-term care insurance provider for classification into a care level. This is the basic requirement for the grant.
Obtain quotes: Get at least two to three detailed estimates from different stairlift providers.
Application to the long-term care insurance fund: Submit the application for „home environment improvement measures“ together with the estimates to the long-term care insurance fund.
Wait for approval: Only begin installation once you have received written approval from the long-term care insurance fund.
Clarify the remaining financing: Check whether a loan for the stairlift is necessary to cover the remaining costs.
This step-by-step approach ensures that you make the most of all financing options.
Expert tips: Avoid pitfalls and optimise financing
When financing a stair lift, there are a few details that can determine success or failure. Our expert tip: pay close attention to the exact requirements of the funding bodies. The care insurance fund often requires a plausible explanation of why the lift makes home care possible or easier.
Document the entire process without gaps, from the medical certificate to the quotations. Some stairlift providers offer support with the application process – a service that can save you a lot of work. If an application is rejected, you have the right to lodge an objection within four weeks. Professional advice, such as that offered by nextsure, can help avoid mistakes and secure the best possible funding for your individual situation. This ensures that you not only remain mobile, but are also financially relieved.
Request your individual risk analysis now: have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific recommendations for improvement.
More useful links
The KfW provides information on grants for reducing barriers in existing properties.
The KfW presents its funding product "Age-appropriate renovation – investment grant (455)" for existing properties.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information on grants for home adaptations as part of home care.
Under Laws on the Internet you will find Section 40 of SGB XI, which regulates support for home adaptations.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides a table on the subject of accessible living.
The Consumer Advice Centre offers important information on the planning and installation of stairlifts.
The German Rheumatism League publishes an article on aids for overcoming stairs without a lift.
The Federal Working Group on Housing Adaptation provides comprehensive information on home adaptations.
The VdK provides information in an article on the suitability of stair-climbing aids for everyday life and emergencies.
FAQ
How much is the care insurance subsidy for a stairlift?
The care insurance fund subsidises home improvement measures such as a stair lift with up to €4,000 per person with a recognised care level. If several eligible people live in the household, the grant can increase to up to €16,000.
Is there currently a KfW grant for stairlifts?
No, the KfW 455-B grant programme for barrier-free conversions is currently suspended, as no federal funds are available. As an alternative, KfW offers the low-interest loan 159 “Age-appropriate Renovation”.
What documents do I need for the application to the care insurance fund?
For the application, you will usually need proof of your care level, a description of the planned measure and at least one quotation from a specialist company for the stairlift.
What does “reasonable burden” mean in tax deductions?
The „reasonable burden“ is an amount you must bear yourself before extraordinary expenses reduce your tax liability. The amount is determined by the tax office and depends on your income, marital status and the number of your children.
Can tenants also apply for a grant for a stairlift?
Yes, even as a tenant you can apply for a grant from the care insurance fund. However, you will need your landlord’s consent to install the stairlift.
What happens if my application for a grant is rejected?
You can lodge a written objection against a refusal notice from the care insurance fund within one month. It is advisable to provide a clear justification for the objection and, if necessary, enclose further evidence, such as a more detailed medical report.
