VAT Relief for Diabetics

Jack_Itin

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.

pmlindyloo

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

Thanks for that......everywhere seems to mention diabetes.....but not specifically type 2.....going to ask in mobility shop in the morning.....Jack

antrobus

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

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.

teddysmum

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

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.