Voucher Scheme

The NHS provides anyone who has a long-term disability with a wheelchair to meet his or her mobility needs. The voucher scheme was introduced to provide more choice about the wheelchair you can have.

If you would like a different wheelchair to the one prescribed, an Independent Voucher can be issued to the value of the standard NHS voucher.

• You will be responsible for the repairs and maintenance of your wheelchair. An additional sum money is added to the voucher to cover these costs.
• You will pay the different between the voucher and the cost of the wheelchair you have chosen.
• VAT is not chargeable on this purchase, but you will need sign a VAT exemption certificate.
• You will make your own arrangement with supplier about guarantees, insurance and terms of purchase.

How do I get a wheelchair under the voucher scheme?

• New applicants should be referred for a wheelchair in the normal way by their GP, hospital consultant or therapist. At the wheelchair assessment appointment you can ask about the voucher scheme.
• Existing wheelchair users should contact the wheelchair service for a re-assessment.