Who_Qualifies_For_a_Motability_Grant
General Information About Motability

General Information About Motability

Wilsons Epsom is a proud partner of Motability – a registered charity that enables disabled people and war pensioners to obtain a new car through the Motability Car Scheme.

As part of this scheme, those who are eligible can use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a brand new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. Since Motability was established in 1978, the scheme has helped more than three million people remain mobile by providing them access to a new vehicle.

Today in the UK, over 640,000 people benefit from Motability and the worry-free package it provides. In addition to supplying a brand new car (with a 60,000-miles mileage allowance) every three years, other main benefits of the scheme include: insurance; servicing and maintenance; full breakdown assistance and many adaptations at no extra cost. The scheme also covers annual vehicle tax, replacement tyres and windscreen repair and replacement, and you can have up to two named drivers for your car.

At Wilsons Epsom, we have a huge range of adaptable vehicles available as part of the Motability scheme from trusted brands such as; Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Dacia, Fiat, Hyundai, Jeep, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall. We also offer a range of limited-time deals to help you get the best possible value for your money.

How Does Motability Work?

If you’re eligible for the scheme, which you can check here, then you can exchange your government-funded mobility allowance for a three-year lease on a brand new adapted car*. Also in the lease agreement included is insurance from RSA Motability, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance and repairs for the entire duration of the contract.

Read below to see how to join the Motability Scheme in three simple steps.

1. Choose your vehicle

Explore our wide range of models from household brands such as Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Dacia, Fiat, Hyundai, Jeep, Leapmotor, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall. When selecting your new vehicle, you should take cost, fuel consumption and organising a test drive into consideration to make sure that you choose the most suitable vehicle for you and your lifestyle.

2. Contact Wilsons

Once you’ve narrowed down your search and have a model in mind, it’s time to get in touch with Wilsons Epsom. Our Motability specialists will talk through your options with you, provide impartial advice and arrange a test drive. They can also talk through any optional extras you might want or adaptations that could make your life easier.

3. Order your vehicle

When you’ve made a final decision, your dedicated Motability specialist will complete your order for you. You’ll then receive an acceptance letter showing your Personal Identification Number, which you will need in order to collect your vehicle.*You can also use your government funded mobility allowance for a scooter or powered wheelchair.

Who is Eligible for the Scheme and Who Qualifies for Mobility Allowance?

Eligibility for the Motability Scheme is limited to individuals receiving specific government-funded mobility benefits. To qualify, applicants must receive one of several specific allowances, such as:

- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the enhanced mobility rate
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at a higher rate
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

all these with at least 12 months remaining on the allowance.

The scheme offers flexibility, as those who don’t drive can nominate up to two drivers to assist with transportation. Additionally, parents or guardians can apply on behalf of a child over three who meets the eligibility requirements, ensuring the program supports families as well. In short, you need to have daily living or mobility needs to access the program.

Qualifying Benefits and Allowances Explained

The Scheme allows eligible individuals to lease a vehicle by using specific mobility allowances. These allowances are designed to assist people with disabilities by covering the costs of transportation. Below are the main qualifying benefits and allowances required to join the scheme, along with essential details for each.

Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) helps individuals with disabilities manage additional expenses related to their mobility needs. The higher rate of the mobility component is one of the qualifying allowances for the Motability Scheme, providing financial support to cover vehicle leasing. Currently, this allowance is set at a weekly rate of £75.50 (as of 8 April 2024), directly contributing to a Motability lease agreement. This makes it easier for those with mobility challenges to access a scheme car that can meet their transportation needs.

To qualify with DLA, applicants must have at least 12 months remaining on their allowance. This requirement helps ensure consistent financial support throughout the leasing period, minimizing interruptions and allowing for better planning and security.

Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

he Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) offers financial assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them manage mobility-related expenses.

This rate qualifies recipients for the Motability Scheme, enabling them to lease a vehicle to improve their independence and access to transportation. The enhanced mobility component provides substantial support, making it easier for those with long-term health conditions or mobility challenges to access reliable transportation options.

To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must have at least 12 months remaining on their enhanced PIP award, ensuring stable support throughout the lease period. This benefit allows adults to maintain freedom and flexibility in their daily lives.

Transition from DLA to PIP: Supporting Mobility for Children and Adults

It’s also important to note that DLA has been largely replaced by the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults, as part of the government’s welfare reform. Consequently, new DLA applications are accepted only for children under 16. Parents or guardians can apply for a Motability vehicle on behalf of a child receiving the higher rate of DLA mobility component, provided the child is three years or older. This adjustment allows the Motability Scheme to continue supporting families with younger dependents who have mobility needs, while adults now typically apply for PIP.

The transition from DLA to PIP for adults aims to streamline support for those with long-term mobility needs. However, the DLA’s higher rate remains a valid route for children under 16, making it a valuable support system for younger individuals and their families. The Motability Scheme thus continues to accommodate various ages and needs by adapting its eligibility to include both newer and legacy allowances, such as DLA.

The War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

The War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) supports veterans with mobility challenges, providing a weekly allowance to help cover transportation costs through the Motability Scheme. Administered by Veterans UK, WPMS ensures qualified veterans can access suitable vehicles to maintain their independence. To be eligible for the scheme, recipients must have at least 12 months remaining on their WPMS award. It’s important to note that Attendance Allowance cannot be used for the Motability Scheme, as it does not meet the eligibility criteria.

How to Check Your Eligibility

To check your eligibility for the Motability Scheme, you can start by using an eligibility checker tool, on the official Motability website. This tool simplifies the process, guiding you through a few quick questions to help you determine if you meet the requirements.

Additionally, you should verify that your mobility allowance has at least 12 months remaining, as this is necessary for joining the scheme. To confirm your allowance length, check your award letter or contact your benefits provider, such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Veterans UK, for the latest information. This ensures you meet the stability requirements needed for leasing a vehicle.

Special Eligibility Considerations

The Motability Scheme has specific eligibility considerations to accommodate different applicants' needs. For those over 65, the scheme is accessible if they are already receiving a qualifying benefit, such as PIP or DLA. Individuals applying for disability benefits for the first time at 65 or older are directed to apply for an Attendance Allowance, which does not qualify for Motability. However, note that there is no upper age limit for joining the Motability scheme.

Children aged three or older are also eligible if they receive a higher rate of DLA or an enhanced rate of PIP. In these cases, a parent or guardian can lease a vehicle on their behalf, supporting young dependents with mobility needs.

For non-drivers, the scheme allows flexibility by permitting up to two nominated drivers. This feature ensures that even if the beneficiary cannot drive, they can still benefit from the independence a Motability car provides, with trusted individuals driving on their behalf.

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