VAT Relief for Disabled Persons (UK Only)
Many products on Healthcare World may qualify for VAT relief, meaning eligible customers can pay 0% VAT (a saving of 20%) on goods that are designed or adapted for personal use by disabled or chronically sick people. This is a government VAT relief, not a promotion or discount.
Quick eligibility check
You’re likely eligible if:
- You live in the UK and your order is delivered to a UK address
- The item is for the personal or domestic use of a disabled/chronically sick person
- The person meets HMRC’s definition of “chronically sick or disabled”
If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll help.
What is VAT relief?
Most products in the UK are normally charged at 20% VAT. Under UK law, certain goods that are designed or adapted for disabled people can be supplied at 0% VAT, provided the eligibility criteria are met and a VAT declaration is completed.
Who can claim VAT relief?
You can claim VAT relief if:
- The goods are delivered within the UK
- The goods are for the personal or domestic use of the disabled/chronically sick person
- The person is chronically sick or disabled (see below)
You do not need to be registered as disabled or be receiving benefits to qualify.
You may also claim on behalf of someone else (for example, a parent buying for a child), as long as the goods are for the qualifying person’s personal/domestic use.
What does “chronically sick or disabled” mean?
For VAT relief purposes this generally includes:
- A long-term physical or mental impairment that substantially affects day-to-day life
- A condition treated as chronic sickness by medical professionals (for example, diabetes)
- Terminal illness
This does not include:
- Temporary injuries (for example, a broken limb)
- Being elderly without a qualifying disability/condition
- Purchases for business, clinical, or institutional use (for example, hospitals, clinics, care homes)
Which products qualify?
VAT relief only applies to products that are specifically designed or adapted for disabled or chronically sick people.
Common qualifying categories include:
- Pain management aids designed/adapted for disabled use (including some TENS devices)
- Mobility, support and positioning aids
- Daily living and personal care equipment
- Certain medical support devices
Please note: general health or wellness items that are not designed/adapted for disabled use may not qualify.
How to claim VAT relief with Healthcare World
1) Place your order
Add the items to your basket and complete checkout as normal. VAT may show initially in your total.
2) Complete the VAT declaration
After ordering, you must complete a VAT Relief Declaration confirming eligibility. (This is a legal requirement and may be retained for HMRC audit purposes.)
You can return it by:
- Email: info@hcwhealth.com
- Upload: via our secure upload link (if available)
- Or contact us and we’ll help
3) We refund the VAT (if applicable)
Once we receive a valid declaration, we’ll refund the VAT amount (20%) to your original payment method.
Important
- A new declaration is required each calendar year
- VAT cannot be refunded without a valid declaration on file
Helpful notes
- You do not usually need to provide a doctor’s note or medical evidence
- VAT relief applies only to eligible products
- Delivery charges may still include VAT
Need help?
If you have any questions about eligibility or how to complete the declaration, we’re happy to help.
📩 info@hcwhealth.com
📞 +44 (0) 1695 227300