The Motability Scheme helps disabled people get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. To be eligible to join the Scheme, you need to receive one of the following mobility allowances and have at least 12 months award length remaining.
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. PIP is a non-means tested benefit and is not affected by earnings, other income or savings. If you are aged 16 to 64, you may be entitled to PIP if you have a daily living and/or mobility needs and require extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition. The DWP makes the decision about the amount of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) you get and for how long. PIP is made up of 2 components called daily living and mobility, and each can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate. If you are awarded the enhanced rate mobility component then you could be eligible to lease a vehicle on the Scheme.
For more information on PIP go to the DWP website
What is Disability Living Allowance (DLA)?
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit that helps with the extra costs that disabled people face as a result of their disabilities. DLA is not a means tested benefit and is not affected by earnings, other income or savings. Children who are under the age of 16 and have difficulties walking or need much more looking after than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability may be eligible for DLA. The DWP makes the decision about the amount of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you get and for how long.
What if my allowance award does not cover the full length of the three year lease?
If your allowance award does not cover the full length of your next three year lease, you are still able to join the Scheme as long as you have at least 12 months’ award remaining when you place an application.
The amount of DLA you get is made up of 2 parts called ‘components’ – the ‘care component’ and the ‘mobility component’. Each component is paid at different rates, the higher rate mobility component is required to lease a vehicle on the Scheme.
For more information on DLA go to the DWP website
The difference between DLA and PIP
As part of its welfare reform programme, the Government is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Government began replacing DLA with PIP in April 2013 in Great Britain and on 20 June 2016 in Northern Ireland. The DWP (or Department for Communities in Northern Ireland) are writing to affected DLA recipients informing them that they will need to apply for PIP. The DWP continue to make payments until a decision on the PIP claim has been made. The most important thing you can do at this stage is ensure that the DWP (Department for Communities in Northern Ireland) has your correct contact details. You don’t need to do anything else until the department writes to you, however, once they have contacted you, make sure you respond within their given timescales.
DLA to PIP reassessments
Existing recipients of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA who are reassessed and awarded the Enhanced Mobility Component of PIP will continue to be eligible to lease a vehicle on the Scheme. Existing customers who have an unsuccessful DLA–PIP resassessment will no longer be able to lease a vehicle on the Scheme and we will be in touch to help you return the car and support you through this transition. You will have around eight weeks from when the allowance payments end to return the car. We will write to you giving you all the information you need, including details of our transition support package. You may also be eligible for a pro-rata refund of any Advance Payment you made.
Newly awarded PIP? Find out how the Scheme could work for you
Information for those awaiting a PIP reassessment
Information for customers about what to do if you are unsuccessful with your PIP reassessment
More about the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme offers an all-inclusive package that allows anyone in receipt of a higher rate mobility allowance to exchange it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand new, reliable vehicle of your choice. As well as a great choice of cars, we also provide a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs.
If you’d like to join the 600,000 customers already enjoying the benefits of a worry-free lease package through the Motability Scheme, request an information pack to find out more.
How to join
If you’re ready to take the next step, find out how to join now, alternatively, if you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest Scheme news, sign up to our monthly e-newsletter.
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