A stair lift typically costs between $2,500 and $16,000 installed — a significant expense that stops many families from pursuing a modification they genuinely need. The good news is that several federal, state, and county programs exist that can cover part or all of the cost for eligible NJ residents. Some families pay nothing out of pocket. Most pay significantly less than the full retail price when the right funding programs are applied.
This guide covers every legitimate program that can reduce or eliminate the cost of a stair lift in New Jersey — who qualifies, how much each program covers, how to apply, and how to combine multiple programs to minimise out-of-pocket cost. We also address the "free stair lift" claims you will see online and explain which ones are real and which are misleading.
The Honest Answer: Are Stair Lifts Ever Truly Free?
It depends on your situation. Here is the direct answer:
- For qualifying veterans: The VA HISA grant can cover the full cost of a standard straight stair lift — effectively making it free to the veteran
- For NJ Medicaid MLTSS participants: Medicaid may fund the stair lift fully with pre-authorisation — no out-of-pocket cost to the participant
- For income-qualified NJ seniors: County Area Agency on Aging grants can cover a significant portion, sometimes the full cost for lower-income applicants
- For most other families: No single program provides a completely free stair lift — but combining two or three programs can reduce the cost by 40–80%, and financing can make the remaining balance manageable
Be cautious of any company advertising "free stair lifts" without specifying which funding programs they are referring to. No stair lift manufacturer or dealer gives away stair lifts for free. Every legitimate "free" stair lift is funded by a government program with specific eligibility requirements — and the family must qualify for that program before any cost is covered.
Program 1: VA HISA Grant (Veterans)
💰 Up to $6,800 — service-connected disability
Up to $2,000 — non-service-connected disability
Lifetime grant • Applied through local VA Medical Center • Pre-authorisation required before installation
The VA Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant is the single most impactful stair lift funding program available in New Jersey. For veterans with a service-connected disability, the $6,800 lifetime grant covers the full cost of most standard straight stair lift installations — including the unit, rail, and labour.
Eligibility
- Veteran must have a VA-rated disability (service-connected or non-service-connected)
- The modification must be medically necessary — typically documented by the veteran's VA physician or treating provider
- The veteran must own the home or have the owner's written consent for the modification
- The grant is a lifetime benefit — once used, it is not replenished
How to Apply
- Contact the Prosthetics or Rehabilitation department at your local VA Medical Center
- Obtain a written prescription or recommendation from the treating physician documenting the medical need for a stair lift
- Obtain a written quote from a qualified stair lift installer — Everhome Mobility provides all required documentation in the format the VA requires
- Submit the HISA application (VA Form 10-0103) with the prescription and quote
- Wait for pre-authorisation — typically 2–8 weeks
- Once approved, schedule installation
Critical timing note: The HISA grant requires pre-authorisation BEFORE installation. If you install the stair lift before the grant is approved, retroactive reimbursement is typically not available. Begin the application process as early as possible — ideally before surgery or discharge if the need is anticipated.
Program 2: NJ Medicaid MLTSS
💰 Can cover full cost of stair lift
NJ Managed Long-Term Services and Supports
Pre-authorisation required • Must be Medicaid-eligible • Administered through NJ FamilyCare
For NJ residents who are enrolled in Medicaid and qualify for MLTSS, the program can fund home accessibility modifications including stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and bathroom modifications. When approved, MLTSS covers the full cost — no copay or out-of-pocket expense for the participant.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare)
- Must meet the clinical criteria for MLTSS — typically assessed through a needs assessment demonstrating the individual requires home modifications to remain safely in the community
- The modification must be prescribed as part of the individual's care plan by the MLTSS care manager
How to Apply
- Contact NJ FamilyCare at 1-800-701-0710 to confirm Medicaid enrollment and MLTSS eligibility
- Request a needs assessment through the MLTSS care manager
- Once the stair lift is approved as part of the care plan, the care manager coordinates the installation through an approved provider
- Pre-authorisation is mandatory — installation before approval will not be reimbursed
Program 3: Medicare Advantage Home Modification Benefits
💰 $500 – $2,500+ (varies by plan)
Some Medicare Advantage plans include supplemental home modification benefits
Not available on standard Medicare Parts A & B • Check your specific MA plan • Benefit amounts vary
Standard Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover stair lifts — this is confirmed and has not changed. However, many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) now include supplemental home modification benefits as part of their coverage package. These benefits vary significantly by plan — some offer $500 annually toward home modifications, others offer $2,500 or more.
This is one of the most underused funding sources because most families do not know to ask about it.
How to Check
- Find the member services phone number on the back of the Medicare Advantage card
- Call and ask specifically: "Does my plan include a home modification or home safety benefit?"
- If yes, ask what the annual dollar amount is, what modifications are covered, and whether a stair lift specifically qualifies
- Ask whether pre-authorisation is required and what documentation is needed
For a complete breakdown, see our guide: Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts? Coverage & Alternatives.
Program 4: NJ County Area Agency on Aging Grants
💰 Varies by county — typically $1,000 – $5,000
Income-based grants administered by county AAA offices
For NJ residents 60+ • Income eligibility applies • Wait lists may apply
Each NJ county administers home modification grants through its local Area Agency on Aging. These are income-based programs — eligibility and grant amounts depend on the applicant's income level and the specific county's current funding. Grant amounts vary but can cover a meaningful portion of a stair lift's cost for qualified applicants.
NJ County Contacts
- Bergen County Division of Senior Services: 201-336-7459
- Essex County Division on Aging: 973-395-8375
- Passaic County Division of Senior Services: 973-569-4060
- Hudson County Office on Aging: 201-369-4313
Program 5: Non-Profit and Charitable Programs
💰 Varies — some provide full funding
National and NJ-based non-profit organisations
Income-based • Application required • Wait times vary
Several non-profit organisations provide grants or fully funded home modifications — including stair lifts — for low-income seniors and people with disabilities:
- Rebuilding Together: National non-profit that provides free home modifications for qualifying low-income homeowners — NJ chapters serve Bergen, Essex, and other counties
- NJ 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 to be connected with local programs and resources — the operator can identify which home modification programmes are currently accepting applications in your county
- Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Elks Lodges: Local chapters occasionally fund home accessibility modifications for community members — particularly veterans and low-income seniors. Contact your local chapter directly
Program 6: Financing — When Grants Do Not Cover the Full Cost
💰 Monthly payments from ~$60/month
Hearth financing through Everhome Mobility
12–60 month terms • Competitive rates • Apply in minutes • Immediate approval typical
For families where grants cover a portion of the cost but a gap remains — or where grants are not available — financing makes it possible to install the stair lift now and pay over time. Everhome Mobility offers financing through Hearth with terms from 12 to 60 months at competitive rates. Monthly payments for a standard straight stair lift typically start around $60/month depending on the term selected.
The important principle: do not delay a needed stair lift because full funding is not immediately available. The cost of a fall — medical bills, rehabilitation, lost independence — far exceeds the cost of the stair lift itself. Financing bridges the gap while grant applications process.
How to Stack Multiple Programs
The most effective approach — and the one we recommend to every family — is to apply to all relevant programs simultaneously rather than sequentially. Here is the recommended order:
- Check VA eligibility first — if the person is a veteran, the HISA grant may cover the full cost. Apply immediately
- Check Medicaid MLTSS eligibility — if enrolled in NJ Medicaid, MLTSS may fund the full cost with pre-authorisation
- Call the Medicare Advantage plan — ask specifically about home modification benefits. If available, apply this benefit to the remaining balance
- Contact the county AAA office — apply for an income-based grant to cover any remaining gap
- Apply for Hearth financing — to bridge the gap between available funding and total cost, or to install immediately while grant applications are processing
Everhome Mobility helps with all of this. During your free in-home assessment, our team identifies every funding program your family may qualify for, provides all required documentation and quotes in the correct format for each program, and can help coordinate timing so applications are submitted in parallel. This is not a service we charge for — it is part of how we work with every NJ family.
Stair Lift Funding Summary for NJ Residents
| Program | Maximum Benefit | Who Qualifies | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA HISA Grant | Up to $6,800 | Veterans with VA-rated disability | 2–8 weeks |
| NJ Medicaid MLTSS | Full cost | NJ Medicaid enrollees meeting clinical criteria | 4–12 weeks |
| Medicare Advantage | $500–$2,500+ | MA plan members with home modification benefit | 1–4 weeks |
| County AAA Grants | $1,000–$5,000 | NJ residents 60+, income-based | 4–16 weeks |
| Non-Profit Programs | Varies — up to full cost | Low-income homeowners | Varies — may have waitlists |
| Hearth Financing | Full cost financed | Credit-based approval | Same day approval |
| Federal Tax Deduction | Deduction on medical expenses | Anyone with medical need documentation | Applied at tax filing |
What About "Free Stair Lift" Ads Online?
If you have searched for stair lift funding, you have almost certainly seen advertisements promising "free stair lifts" or "government-funded stair lifts at no cost." Here is what you need to know about these claims:
Some Are Legitimate References to Real Programs
Some companies use "free stair lift" in their advertising because they work with VA HISA, Medicaid, or other grant programs that can indeed cover the full cost for eligible participants. The stair lift is paid for by the funding program — not given away by the company. These are legitimate, but the eligibility requirements apply. If the ad does not specify which program, ask before proceeding.
Some Are Lead-Generation Tactics
Many "free stair lift" ads are designed to collect your contact information for sales calls. The ad promises something free; the follow-up call reveals that the offer was actually a discount, a financing plan, or a referral to a program you may or may not qualify for. Be cautious of any company that requires your phone number or personal details before explaining which specific program their "free" offer is based on.
Some Are Genuinely Misleading
A small number of companies advertise "free" stair lifts that turn out to be heavily used or reconditioned units installed with minimal service support and no meaningful warranty. The unit may be free but the installation is not — and the product may not be reliable or safe. A stair lift is a safety device. The cost of failure is not inconvenience — it is a fall. Quality and reliable service support matter far more than the upfront price.
The Tax Deduction Most Families Miss
Stair lifts installed for medical necessity — documented by a physician's recommendation — qualify as a deductible medical expense on federal taxes. The deduction applies to the amount of total medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of adjusted gross income. For families with significant medical expenses in a given year, this can provide meaningful tax relief on the stair lift cost. Consult a tax professional to confirm applicability to your specific situation.
Not sure what you qualify for? Our team identifies every available funding program during your free in-home assessment — and helps with the entire application process.
Check Your Eligibility Options →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a stair lift for free in New Jersey?
Yes — if you qualify for certain funding programs. The VA HISA grant (up to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities) can cover the full cost of most standard installations. NJ Medicaid MLTSS can fund a stair lift fully for eligible participants. County AAA grants can cover significant portions for income-qualified seniors. Most families combine multiple programs to minimise or eliminate out-of-pocket cost.
Does Medicare pay for stair lifts?
Standard Medicare Parts A and B do not cover stair lifts. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include home modification benefits that can be applied toward stair lift costs — typically $500–$2,500. Call the member services number on your MA card and ask specifically about home modification benefits. For complete details, see our guide: Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
What is the VA HISA grant and how do I apply?
The Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant is a VA benefit providing up to $6,800 (service-connected) or $2,000 (non-service-connected) for home modifications including stair lifts. Apply through the Prosthetics or Rehabilitation department at your local VA Medical Center with a physician's prescription and an installer's quote. Pre-authorisation is required before installation. Everhome Mobility provides all required documentation.
Can I combine multiple funding programs for a stair lift?
Yes — and this is the approach we recommend. A veteran with a Medicare Advantage plan might combine the HISA grant with the MA home modification benefit to cover the full cost. A Medicaid-eligible senior might have MLTSS cover the stair lift and use a county AAA grant for additional bathroom modifications. Apply to all relevant programs simultaneously for the best outcome.
How long does it take to get funding approved?
VA HISA: typically 2–8 weeks. Medicaid MLTSS: 4–12 weeks. Medicare Advantage: 1–4 weeks. County AAA grants: 4–16 weeks, sometimes longer with waitlists. If the need is urgent — post-surgical discharge — financing can bridge the gap while applications process, allowing the stair lift to be installed immediately.
Does Everhome Mobility help with funding applications?
Yes — at no additional cost. During your free in-home assessment, our team identifies every program your family may qualify for, provides quotes and documentation in the format each program requires, and helps coordinate timing so applications are processed in parallel. We work with VA, Medicaid MLTSS, and county AAA programs regularly and understand the documentation and approval process for each.
