Getting a wheelchair
Wheelchair and specialist seating
We offer personal wheelchair budgets for most new wheelchair prescriptions.
A personal wheelchair budget (PWB) is a fund available to increase your choice of wheelchair.
If you meet our eligibility criteria for an NHS wheelchair, you'll have a face-to-face appointment. We will assess you and discuss your options. We'll explain the budget and how you can use it.
We have 4 options available.
- You will have an NHS wheelchair with no cost to you.
- The wheelchair remains the property of the NHS, and will be supplied, delivered, repaired and maintained by the NHS, at no charge to you.
- The PWB amount is the value of the NHS wheelchair.
- You can choose a different wheelchair from our range. The cost to you is the difference between the NHS-prescribed wheelchair and the cost of the wheelchair you choose.
- The wheelchair remains the property of the NHS, and will be supplied, delivered, repaired and maintained by the NHS, at no charge to you.
- The PWB amount is the value of the NHS wheelchair.
- This allows you to add accessories to your NHS wheelchair. The cost to you is the cost of the accessories.
- The chair remains the property of the NHS, and will be supplied, delivered, repaired and maintained by the NHS, at no charge to you.
- The PWB amount is the value of the NHS wheelchair.
- This allows you to choose a wheelchair that is not from our range, that meets your clinical needs.
- You will be responsible for all ongoing maintenance and repairs.
- The PWB amount is the value of the NHS wheelchair, plus a contribution towards repair and maintenance.
- The cost you’ll pay is the difference between the NHS wheelchair (plus a contribution towards repair and maintenance), and the cost of the wheelchair you choose.
If you choose this option you should take someone you trust with you. You should also agree a cancellation period (that allows you to change your mind) before final payment is made.
Changing your wheelchair
You can only change your wheelchair when:
- it is no longer fit for purpose, or
- your medical needs have significantly changed
Please make sure you buy your wheelchair from a dealer who is British Healthcare Traders Association (BHTA) registered. If they are not BHTA registered, we'll check the dealer before agreeing to any payment.
All companies must have a physical shop or showroom. We will not consider any internet-only companies.
Please get public liability insurance if you're using your wheelchair in public. We advise this especially if you're buying a powered wheelchair.
The third party PWB option does not include a contribution towards public liability insurance.
The PWB payment is a one-off payment for your wheelchair. Your PWB will be set for a period of 5 years (3 years for children).
PWBs cannot be given for equipment that you have already bought.
Cushions and accessories
In most cases, the wheelchair service will provide your cushions and accessories.
If you choose the third-party option, accessories will be included in the PWB value if they are part of your prescription. Decisions about how we provide accessories will be made at your assessment.
Owning and maintaining your wheelchair
It is important to regularly maintain and repair your wheelchair.
For each of the ‘Notional’ options, the NHS owns and maintains the wheelchair.
If you choose the third-party option, you'll own the wheelchair. You will be responsible for any maintenance and repairs.
Last updated: March 2025
