Has anyone with spinal problems managed to get VAT relief for a memory foam mattress?

gregrichards

Hi everyone

I'm just looking for some advice please. I'm registered disabled with nerve damage affecting my back, legs and bladder, in constant pain and take 27 tablets per day.

I was advised given my condition that a memory foam mattress would be really beneficial for me but they were always too expensive as I'm on income support etc.

I managed to get a memory foam mattress in the sale about 5 days ago and found out 2 days ago about the VAT relief for products bought due to disability. I've been told by the store that they have only ever claimed VAT for customers who bought an adjustable bed, never for a memory foam mattress. They are still prepared to give me a form to try and claim though.

I phoned the disability line at the Inland Revenue and they said a similar thing as the store, they thought adjustable beds could be claimed against, not memory foam mattresses and I was to speak to the store again.

I dont understand how VAT can be claimed against an adjustable bed that is not specifically designed for the disabled and anyone can buy. Yet someone like me who has spinal problems and needs a certain type of mattress (which yes anyone can buy) due to a disabiling spinal condition can't claim the VAT.

It just doesnt seem fair to me, when I have a genuine medical reason for needing the mattress. If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated.

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello gregrichards,

Although you have a significant medical need for this type of mattress, it is not designed or adapted for disabled persons, and so doesn't meet the criteria for VAT relief.

This is why adjustable beds qualify, due to their adjustable properties, but not the mattress on it's own, as a wide group of people benefit.

Here is a link to the directgov website on VAT relief.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Disabledpeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10028495

Regards

Munchie.

bakerp

Hi i bought a memory foam mattress about a year ago,and i filled the exemption form in online,i recieved just over 70.00 back for the vat,hope this helps.

gregrichards

bakerp wrote: »

Hi i bought a memory foam mattress about a year ago,and i filled the exemption form in online,i recieved just over 70.00 back for the vat,hope this helps.

Thanks for responding, can I ask which company you used or if you used a standard form. I don't understand why some companies are allowing you to claim the VAT exemption solely for a memory foam mattress, yet it seems to be an issue with this company.

Thank you both for responding.

claire1234

hiya,
could you apply for a community care grant for the mattress?

its non repayable and you say your on income support so it could be worth a shot,

hth

bakerp

gregrichards wrote: »

Thanks for responding, can I ask which company you used or if you used a standard form. I don't understand why some companies are allowing you to claim the VAT exemption solely for a memory foam mattress, yet it seems to be an issue with this company.

Thank you both for responding.

do you know i cant remember it was online i will try find the reciept for it for you,i also ordered my mum one and she also got the vat back.Sorry i have just looked for the paper work:think: can't find it but all i did was search the net untill i found one with the option to claim the vat back.

Zingara

I bought a Tempur memory foam mattress and was exempt from VAT. I bought it from an internet shop called Back In Action who were very helpful whenever I emailed them with queries. My VAT was deducted before I bought the bed and I believe you are only eligible if you suffer from specific problems. I would definitely ask them for a form and fill it in - if you don't try, you won't get.

Have a look at:

http://www.shop4beds.co.uk/vat.html

and

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageExcise_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000184&propertyType=document#P47_2887

If eligible, the company themselves should refund you the VAT - there is something in that second link about it.

Karen

dadsarmy

I did not pay any VAT on the Tempur too

Tim_Deegan

Some retailers use the VAT exemption form too freely in a way to attract sales. They could end up dropping you in it with customs & excise.

Zingara

Won't land me in anything - I checked everything both with the company, other shops and Customs and Excise, and my condition means I get VAT relief.

I'm sure some places do use it to attract sales but as long as you do your homework and make sure you are eligible then you should be fine.

Tim_Deegan

Zingara wrote: »

Won't land me in anything - I checked everything both with the company, other shops and Customs and Excise, and my condition means I get VAT relief.

I'm sure some places do use it to attract sales but as long as you do your homework and make sure you are eligible then you should be fine.

You only get VAT relief on products that are specifically designed to relieve suffering, and to aid poeple with dissabilities. I have checked this with Customs and Excise. Although I have heard of retailers offering VAT exemption if someone just has a slight back ache.