Who Is Entitled to a Wet Room? Grants for Pensioners & VAT Relief (UK Guide)

The Truth About Funding: Can Pensioners Get a Free Wet Room?

One of the most common questions we hear at EA Mobility is: “I am a pensioner—am I entitled to a free wet room?”

It is a simple question with a complicated answer. In the UK, “entitlement” falls into two categories:

1. Council Funding (The Grant): Where the government pays, but checks your savings.
2. VAT Exemption (The Relief): Where you pay privately, but save 20% tax automatically.

Because financial rules can be confusing (especially with recent changes), we have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand exactly what you are entitled to in the UK.

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1. The “Free” Route: Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

If you have a permanent disability or struggle with mobility, you may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from your local council. This is the main route for getting a “free” bathroom.

How much can you get?

In England, the grant can cover up to £30,000 of work. In Wales, it is £36,000, and in Scotland, it works differently via “Schemes of Assistance.”

The “Means Test” Trap (Important for Pensioners)

This is where most people get confused. The DFG is Means Tested for adults.
The council will look at your:

• Income

• Savings (Capital)

The General Rule:

• Savings under £6,000: You are likely eligible for full funding (if your income is also low).

• Savings between £6,000 – £23,250: You may get a partial grant but will have to contribute towards the cost.

• Savings over £23,250: You will likely have to pay for the entire wet room yourself.

Note: If you receive certain benefits (like Pension Credit Guarantee Credit), you may automatically qualify without a means test. Always check with your local authority.

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2. The Private Route: VAT Exemption (Save 20%)

If you have savings over the limit, or if you simply cannot wait 12-18 months for a council installation, you will likely choose a private installation.

The Good News: You are almost certainly entitled to VAT Relief.

What is VAT Exemption?

Under HMRC Notice 701/7, if you are chronically sick or disabled, you do not have to pay VAT on goods designed to assist you.
This is not a “discount” from us; it is your legal right.

Do I qualify?

You do not need to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge.
You qualify if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a “long-term and substantial effect” on your daily life.
Common qualifying conditions include:

• Arthritis (Difficulty stepping into a bath)

• Heart Conditions

• Osteoporosis

• Dementia

• Visual Impairment

The Financial Benefit

If a wet room costs £8,000 + VAT (£1,600):

• Standard Price: £9,600

• With Exemption: £8,000
  You save £1,600 instantly. At EA Mobility, we handle the HMRC paperwork for you—you just sign a simple declaration form.

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3. PIP & Attendance Allowance

Many of our clients use their Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to fund their bathroom.

Unlike the Council Grant, these benefits are not means-tested. They are designed to help with the extra costs of having a disability.

• Strategy: Many clients use their monthly Attendance Allowance to fund a finance plan for a luxury bespoke wet room. This allows them to get a safe, stylish bathroom immediately without touching their savings.

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Summary: Grant vs. Private (Comparison Table)

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Frequently Asked Questions (Pensioners)

Q: Can I get a free walk-in shower if I am over 60?
A: Age alone does not entitle you to a free shower. It is based on disability need and financial means. However, if you are on Pension Credit, you have a very high chance of qualifying for the Disabled Facilities Grant.

Q: Does a wet room devalue my home?
A: This is a common worry. Generally, a high-quality, modern wet room appeals to future buyers. A “clinical” council-style room might not. Read our full guide on wet rooms and property value here.

Q: Can I get a grant retrospectively (after the work is done)?
A: No. You must apply for the grant before any work starts. If you pay for a private wet room today, the council will not reimburse you later.

Q: Can I have a bath instead?
A: Yes, VAT exemption applies to walk-in baths too. However, most OTs recommend wet rooms as they are safer long-term (no threshold to step over).

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Quick Eligibility Checker

Not sure where you stand? Use this quick checklist:

1. Do you have savings over £23,250? Yes: You likely won’t get a grant. Contact us for a VAT-free Private Quote. No: You might qualify for a Grant (contact your local council).
2. Do you need the bathroom urgently (within 1 month)? Yes: Grants take too long (6+ months). Private installation is your best route. No: You can afford to wait for a council assessment.
3. Do you want a choice of tiles, finishes, and luxury features? Yes: Council grants rarely offer design choices. Private is better. No: I am happy with standard white safety flooring.

*Note: Grants wording along the lines of Grant applications can be complex and lengthy, often taking 1-2 years to process and requiring detailed eligibility and project criteria. Therefore, we are unable to support these processes and thus our services are focused on clients funding their projects personally so that we can work in a reasonable timescale to offer our clients the best service. We recommend you contact your local council for assistance.

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Know Your Options

Navigating the system can be overwhelming.
If you want to skip the waiting lists and understand the cost of a private, VAT-free installation, we are here to help.

At EA Mobility, we offer a Free Home Design Visit. We can assess your bathroom, confirm your VAT eligibility, and provide a fixed-price quote so you have all the facts before making a decision.