Financing a stairlift: How to secure up to 4,000 Euros and more for accessible living
9 Jun 2025
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Is the staircase becoming an insurmountable obstacle? This doesn't have to mean the end of independence in your own home. Discover how you can secure funding for a stairlift for barrier-free living and save thousands of euros in the process.
The topic in brief and concise terms
If you have an officially recognised care level, you can apply to the care fund for a grant of up to 4,000 euros for a stairlift.
The remaining costs, after deducting grants, can be claimed as an extraordinary burden on your taxes, which requires a medical certificate.
Applications for grants must always be submitted before purchasing and installing the stairlift to avoid losing the entitlement.
Secure funding: The care insurance as the first point of contact
The most important component for financing a stairlift is the long-term care insurance. From care level one, you can apply for a grant for measures to improve the living environment. The care fund grants up to 4,000 euros per eligible person for the installation.
If two people with a care level live in a household, the possible grant doubles to 8,000 euros. The maximum grant for a household is 16,000 euros for four eligible persons. It is important to submit the application for the cost subsidy before purchasing and installing the lift. A subsequent approval is generally excluded. Good preparation is crucial for smooth processing, to which an appropriate supplementary care insurance can also contribute. Proper planning in advance is thus the first step towards successful financing.
State funding programs: Check loans from KfW Bank
Another pillar for financing is the programmes of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). Unfortunately, the well-known grant programme 'Age-Appropriate Conversion – Investment Grant (455-B)' is currently suspended due to lack of federal funds. At present, it is not possible to apply for this direct grant of ten percent of the costs. However, it is advisable to keep an eye on the KfW website in case the programme is reactivated.
As an alternative, KfW offers the promotional loan 'Age-Appropriate Conversion (159)'. With this loan, you can finance up to 50,000 euros for barrier-free conversion. This loan is independent of age and also accessible to tenants. It is an excellent choice to close the financing gap after deducting other grants. A modernisation loan for the conversion can be a sensible addition here. You should enquire about the exact conditions directly from KfW or your bank.
Take advantage of tax benefits: Deduct remaining costs as extraordinary expenses
Once all grants have been used up, you can claim the remaining costs for the stairlift as tax-deductible. The expenses are classified as extraordinary burdens in the tax return. A prerequisite for this is the submission of a medical certificate confirming the medical necessity of the lift.
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. For example, if the costs for the lift are 8,000 euros and your care fund grant is 4,000 euros, you can claim the remaining 4,000 euros. It is important that any grants received must be deducted from the total costs before declaring them in the tax return. The remaining sum can significantly reduce your tax liability and is an often-overlooked option to reduce monthly expenses. In this way, the financial burden is distributed across several shoulders.
Practical Implementation: A Guide to Application
A structured approach is crucial for the success of your applications. Adhere to the correct sequence to avoid losing funding. Here is a recommended procedure:
Apply for a care level: If not already available, submit an application for assessment into a care level with your care insurance provider. This is a basic requirement for the grant.
Obtain quotes: Request at least two to three detailed quotes from different stairlift providers.
Application to the care insurance: Submit the application for "home modification measures" along with the quotes to the care insurance provider.
Wait for approval: Only commence installation after you have received written approval from the care insurance provider.
Clarify remaining financing: Check if a loan for the stairlift is necessary to cover the remaining costs.
This step-by-step approach ensures that you utilize all financing options optimally.
Expert Tips: Avoid Pitfalls and Optimize Financing
When financing a stairlift, there are several details that can determine success or failure. Our expert tip: Pay attention to the exact requirements of the funding bodies. The care insurance fund often requires a plausible explanation as to why the lift enables or facilitates home care.
Document the entire process comprehensively, from the medical certificate to the quotes. Some stairlift providers offer support with the application process – a service that can relieve you of a lot of work. If an application is rejected, you have the right to lodge an appeal 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 also secure financial relief.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The KfW provides information on promoting barrier reduction in existing properties.
The KfW introduces its funding product "Age-appropriate Conversion – Investment Grant (455)" for existing properties.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information about grants for housing adaptations as part of home care.
Under Gesetze im Internet, you will find § 40 SGB XI, which governs services for housing adaptation.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides a table on the subject of accessible housing.
The Consumer Advice Centre offers important information on planning and implementing 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 housing adaptation.
The VdK provides information in an article about the suitability of stair climbing aids for everyday use and emergencies.
FAQ
What is the subsidy from the nursing care fund for a stairlift?
The care fund provides financial support for home improvements such as a stair lift, offering up to 4,000 euros per person with a recognized care level. If multiple eligible individuals live in the household, the grant can increase to up to 16,000 euros.
Is there currently a KfW grant for stairlifts?
No, the grant program KfW 455-B for barrier-free renovations is currently suspended because federal funds are not available. As an alternative, KfW offers the low-interest loan 159 'Age-appropriate renovations'.
What documents do I need to apply to the care fund?
For the application, you will generally need proof of your care level, a description of the planned measure, and at least one cost estimate from a specialist company for the stairlift.
What does "reasonable burden" mean in terms of tax deduction?
The 'reasonable burden' is a personal contribution that you must bear yourself before extraordinary burdens have a tax-reducing effect. 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 fund. However, you will need your landlord’s consent to install the stair lift.
What happens if my grant application is rejected?
You can file a written appeal against a negative decision from the nursing care fund within one month. It is advisable to provide a strong rationale for your appeal and, if necessary, include additional evidence such as a more detailed medical report.
