Motability Personal Independence Payment (PIP) explained

Want to know more about getting a Motability car using the pip scheme? Read all about it here

The Motability scheme is a charitable endeavour that allows people in receipt of certain disability benefits to sacrifice some of those benefits in exchange for a car.

One of the more common benefits people make use of to get on the Motability scheme is the PIP, or Personal Independence Payment.

Here, we’ll talk you through what the PIP is, how much it is, how you apply for it, and how to get a Motability car using your PIP benefit.

What is the PIP?

The PIP, or Personal Independence Payment, is a weekly state benefit intended to help people with long-term mental of physical health conditions with their living costs.

The PIP is available to people over the age of 16 and comes in two parts: a daily living element, which is for everyday expenses, and a mobility element, which not everyone receives, but is to help with transportation.

How much do you receive through the PIP?

Both elements of the PIP come in two levels: a higher rate and a lower rate.

• The lower rate of the daily living element is £68.10 a week, and the higher rate £101.75.
• The lower rate of the mobility part of the PIP is £26.90 a week, and the higher rate is £71.

You need to be in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility part of the PIP to be eligible for a Motability car.

Our standalone guide to Motability eligibility has more information on this topic.

How do you apply for the PIP?

PIPs can be granted in perpetuity if the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) thinks your condition will not improve or if you are in receipt of the PIP when you reach State Pension age, or they can be time-limited.

If awarded a PIP for less than two years it will usually automatically end once that time is up, and you’ll need to make a new claim.

If the award was longer than two years the DWP will generally review your award before it ends, asking you to complete a review form.

To apply for a PIP you can telephone the DWP on 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777) and they will send you a claim form.

Other application methods, for example if you want to use British Sign Language, are also available, with details on the DWP’s PIP web page.

How does Motability work with PIP?

You need to have at least 12 months left on your PIP, and be in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility part, in order to apply for a Motability car.

If you meet these criteria and would like to use your PIP to get a Motability car, you should create an account on the Motability website and begin the application process.

Our standalone guide on applying for a Motability car has more detailed information.

Our guide on the best Motability cars is also worth taking a look at if you’d like some inspiration before you begin choosing your vehicle, while we also have a rundown of great wheelchair accessible vehicles, or WAVs, if you need one of these.