VAT Exemption

You may not have to pay VAT on certain goods and services!

If you have a long-term illness or are disabled, you don’t have to pay VAT on certain goods and services that you buy in the UK. In general the equipment covered by this scheme are things that are of practical help to you because of your illness or disability.

If you are in any doubt as to whether you are eligible to receive goods or services zero-rated for VAT you should consult Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people or the HMRC National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000. Alternatively contact our Customer Services Team on 0800 328 2788.

What counts as a long-term illness or disabled?

For VAT purposes, you have a long-term illness or are disabled if you meet any of the following conditions:

you have a physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial adverse effect upon your ability to carry out everyday activities.
you have a condition that the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness, such as diabetes.
you are terminally ill.

So, you don’t qualify if you are elderly but otherwise able-bodied, or if you’re only temporarily disabled or incapacitated.

You don’t have to physically buy the goods in person. If your parent, guardian, wife or husband buys the goods and services for you, then you will not be charged VAT.

What counts as personal or domestic use?

Personal or domestic use means that the goods or services are supplied for your own private use, rather than for business purposes.