Personal wheelchair budgets 

A personal wheelchair budget gives eligible NHS wheelchair service users more choice and flexibility in how their wheelchair needs are met. This page explains the available options and what they mean for ownership, repairs, and maintenance.

A personal wheelchair budget is the amount the NHS would normally spend on a wheelchair to meet your clinical needs. It allows you to choose how your wheelchair is provided, while ensuring it remains safe and suitable.

If you are eligible for NHS wheelchair services:

  • you will have a clinical assessment
  • a wheelchair assessor will discuss your needs
  • you will be told the value of your personal wheelchair budget

The budget reflects the cost of providing a suitable wheelchair through standard NHS provision.

Personal wheelchair budgets replace the previous NHS wheelchair voucher scheme.

Personal wheelchair budget options

There are three ways your wheelchair can be provided.

This is the standard NHS option.

  • you receive an NHS wheelchair at no cost
  • the wheelchair remains NHS property
  • the NHS arranges repairs and maintenance
  • you do not make any financial contribution

This option provides full NHS support.

This option allows you to upgrade your wheelchair.

  • you receive an NHS wheelchair
  • you can choose additional features or upgrades
  • you pay the difference in cost
  • the wheelchair remains NHS property
  • the NHS continues to provide repairs and maintenance

This option gives greater flexibility while maintaining NHS support.

This option allows you to choose a wheelchair from an independent supplier.

It is only available when:

  • it meets your clinical needs
  • the wheelchair team agrees it is appropriate

Under this option:

  • the wheelchair becomes your property
  • the NHS contributes the equivalent cost of standard provision
  • you pay any additional costs
  • you arrange repairs and maintenance

Some charities may help with additional funding.

Repairs, maintenance, and insurance

Your responsibilities depend on the option you choose.

Notional personal wheelchair budget options:
The NHS manages repairs and maintenance.

Third-party personal wheelchair budget:
You are responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Public liability insurance is strongly recommended, especially for powered wheelchairs. This helps protect you if an accident occurs.

Important information

Personal wheelchair budgets do not increase NHS funding. Instead, they provide more choice in how your wheelchair needs are met.

Eligibility is determined through a clinical assessment.

If you need advice, contact your NHS wheelchair service team.

Frequently asked questions

Personal wheelchair budgets replace the previous voucher system. Instead of receiving a voucher, you now:

  • have a clinical assessment
  • agree a budget value
  • choose from available options

This approach supports personalised care.

Your wheelchair will only be replaced if:

  • it is no longer clinically suitable
  • it is no longer safe or fit for purpose
  • your clinical needs change

Reviews are based on clinical need.

If you choose a third-party option:

  • the NHS pays its agreed contribution
  • you pay any additional cost
  • you arrange maintenance and repairs

This option was previously called an independent voucher arrangement.

A notional personal wheelchair budget means:

  • the NHS holds the funding
  • you know the budget value
  • the NHS pays the supplier directly

You do not receive the funding yourself.

Learn more about personal wheelchair budgets