VAT Relief for Diabetics

Hi.....I am in the process of purchasing a new mobility scooter, and have been advised that being a long time type 2 diabetic entitles me to VAT relief.....is this correct ?........Jack.
Retired (Early) April 2015

Comments

  • pmlindyloo
    pmlindyloo Posts: 13,086 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Jack_Itin wrote: »
    Hi.....I am in the process of purchasing a new mobility scooter, and have been advised that being a long time type 2 diabetic entitles me to VAT relief.....is this correct ?........Jack.

    Potentially yes.

    Have a read of this:

    https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vat-relief

    Your supplier would usually ask you to complete a form.
  • Jack_Itin
    Jack_Itin Posts: 340 Forumite
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    Thanks for that......everywhere seems to mention diabetes.....but not specifically type 2.....going to ask in mobility shop in the morning.....Jack
    Retired (Early) April 2015
  • antrobus
    antrobus Posts: 17,386 Forumite
    Jack_Itin wrote: »
    Hi.....I am in the process of purchasing a new mobility scooter, and have been advised that being a long time type 2 diabetic entitles me to VAT relief.....is this correct ?........Jack.

    According to VAT Notice 701/7: VAT reliefs for disabled and older people;

    - The goods must be eligible for relief. And, yes, mobility scooters qualify for zero rating, see para 4.10
    - The customer must be eligible for relief. You have to be "chronically sick or disabled"

    And a;

    person is ‘chronically sick or disabled’ if he/she is a person with a:

    • physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial adverse effect upon his/her ability to carry out everyday activities
    • condition which the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness, such as diabetes


    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-7017-vat-reliefs-for-disabled-people/vat-notice-7017-vat-reliefs-for-disabled-and-older-people

    From experience, what happens is that you have to fill in a declaration specifying the name of your particular condition. It's no big deal really.

    Since the VAT Notice specifically mentions diabetes as a chronic illness, I believe that you would qualify.
  • Jack_Itin
    Jack_Itin Posts: 340 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    In answer to my own question, in the hope that it may help others......yes, type 2 diabetes is classed as a chronic illness, this morning I purchased a new mobility scooter, and paid no VAT...thus saving me about £200.....thanks to those that replied......Jack.
    Retired (Early) April 2015
  • teddysmum
    teddysmum Posts: 9,517 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Jack_Itin wrote: »
    In answer to my own question, in the hope that it may help others......yes, type 2 diabetes is classed as a chronic illness, this morning I purchased a new mobility scooter, and paid no VAT...thus saving me about £200.....thanks to those that replied......Jack.



    Is your need for a scooter related to your diabetes ?
    I ask because you can only get free prescriptions ( for any problem ), if your diabetes actually needs medication.
  • Jack_Itin
    Jack_Itin Posts: 340 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes, I am on medication for diabetes, but get free prescriptions anyway, as am over 60.....I have a mobility scooter because operations to by-pass blood clots in legs has left them numb....from what I gather the VAT relief does not have to be directly connected to any specific cause....if you have a chronic illness, then you
    get it.........Jack.
    Retired (Early) April 2015
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