For individuals across the UK living with a disability or a long-term health condition, securing reliable transport can be a significant challenge. The Motability Scheme offers a vital solution, providing access to a new car, scooter, or wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
Which Benefits Make You Eligible?
Managed by Motability Operations, the scheme enables recipients of specific Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits to use their mobility allowance to lease a vehicle. It is crucial to note that only certain benefits and specific components qualify for the scheme.
To be eligible, you must have at least 12 months remaining on your benefit award at the time you apply. You can confirm this by checking your benefit award letter or contacting your benefit provider directly.
The qualifying benefits are:
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland-only)
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland-only)
Benefits That Do Not Qualify
The Motability Scheme has clarified that you will not be eligible if you only receive the lower rate of the mobility allowance. Furthermore, receiving the following benefits does not grant eligibility on its own:
- Carer's Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
The scheme advises: "Speak to your allowance provider if you think you could be eligible for one of the qualifying mobility allowances." Depending on the vehicle you choose, you may need to contribute an upfront payment. The scheme can also assist with comprehensive support, including insurance, servicing, maintenance, and breakdown cover.
How to Apply for Your Vehicle
There are two primary ways to apply for the Motability Scheme. You can visit a car dealership directly, where staff will assist you with your order for a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. For a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or adaptations, suppliers can often come to you.
When applying at a dealership, you will need to provide:
- The applicant's National Insurance Number or Customer Reference Number
- A grant award letter, if applicable
- Driving licences for all drivers and details of any claims history
- A driver declaration if the main driver is not present
- The applicant's UK passport or driver's licence
Alternatively, you can apply online through your own Motability Scheme account, which is useful if you need more time to decide on the right vehicle. For an online application, you will need the applicant's UK passport or driving licence and their National Insurance Number or Customer Reference Number.
