How to: Get a Motability Scheme Car

If you currently receive a government funded mobility allowance you should be aware of the options available to you. The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to exchange their government funded mobility allowance to lease a car.

The scheme is a viable option for disabled people seeking their own means of transportation and is becoming increasingly popular with many leading automobile companies now offering their own Motability programmes. If you are concerned about your eligibility for the scheme, then let me run through it quickly:

Disability Allowance

You must have some form of government-funded disability allowance to be eligible for the scheme. There are four eligible types of allowances:

• High Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living – This allowance is £57.45 a week and issued by the Department of Work and Pensions. (HMRC DLA)
• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment – For people between ages 16 and 64, the government wanted to phase out the DLA and bring in this newer form which is the same amount as the DLA. If you’re not sure whether you receive this form of allowance, then click here. (ERMC PIP)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement – Anyone receiving this supplement is also eligible. The monthly payment for this is £64.15. (WPMS)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment – Similar to the WPMS, this allowance can be exchanged for a car the amount is the same as the DLA and the PIP. (AFIP)

If you have a different allowance or supplement, then check in to the Motability Scheme and ask them directly whether you are still eligible.

Find Your Car

Most cars available on the scheme are equipped to accommodate a disabled person’s needs. The cars are spacious, easy to get in and out of and can come equipped with specialist equipment. If you require specific equipment or modifications to the car, then it will cost more, although Motability might be able to assist you financially.

Find Your Dealer

Although many companies and dealers do provide access to Motability cars, the range of vehicles they stock will be limited. Once you’ve found a car that’s right for you, then you will need to search online for dealers (again, Motability will be able to help you in this) and find one that has the car you need. Motability is in contact with over 5000 dealers across the UK and so they will be able to help you find the right car for you.

Order Your Car

You don’t even need to worry about completing the purchase with the dealer as Motability finish the order for you. They will then send you a Personal Identification Number which you will need to keep close as it will be needed when collecting your new car. It can take up to a few weeks for your car to arrive, so be patient, and check in with the dealer every once in a while, to make sure things are running smoothly.

If you would like more information, then request an information pack from the scheme’s website.