Motability scheme eligibility: do I qualify for a Motability car?

Wondering if you qualify for the Motability scheme? Wonder no more

The Motability scheme is a charity that leases cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles and powered wheelchairs to people with disabilities in exchange for the mobility portion of certain disability benefits.

As you can imagine, there are certain eligibility criteria you must meet in order to qualify for the Motability scheme, though, and this article will explain what these are in detail.

Who qualifies for the Motability scheme?

The scheme is primarily designed for people with disabilities who receive one of the following government-funded mobility allowances:

Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

This is a payment that helps with extra costs of living for people with a long-term health condition or disability. An equivalent scheme called Adult Disability Payment exists in Scotland. It is not means tested or affected by earnings or savings, and anyone between the ages of 16 and State Pension age (66) can apply.

You need to have daily living or mobility needs, and need additional help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition in order to qualify.

The higher rate or the mobility part of the PIP is £71 a week.

Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

This was the predecessor to the PIP. New applications for DLAs are not accepted, unless you are claiming for a child under the age of 16.

The higher rate of the mobility part of the DLA is also £71 a week.

War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

This allowance is for individuals who receive a mobility supplement as part of a war pension and have a disability that affects their mobility. It has a weekly rate of £79.25.

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

This allowance is for service personnel and veterans who were seriously injured in service on or after 6 April 2005. It stands at £71 a week.

For each of the four benefits you will need at least 12 months left on your allowance in order to apply to the Motability scheme, while if you only receive the lower rate of these allowances you will not qualify.

Scottish residents in receipt of the ​​enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment and the Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment are also eligible for Motability.

Motability eligibility FAQs

Can I still apply for the Motability Scheme if I don’t drive?

Yes, absolutely. If you don’t drive you can get a Motability vehicle and nominate up to two people to drive it on your behalf.

Can I apply for the Motability scheme on behalf of a child?

Again, yes: Motability cars are available for people with children over the age of three in receipt of the h​​igher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment.

Can I apply for the Motability scheme if I receive Attendance Allowance?

No, Motability is not available if you receive Attendance Allowance.

Can I apply for the Motability scheme if I’m over 65?

Yes, as long as you are in receipt of one of the eligible benefits set out above, being 65 or over is no impediment to accessing the Motability scheme and its vehicles.