New Motability Scheme update for people on PIP, ADP and other disability benefits

Linda Howard
·4-min read

New figures from the company behind the life-changing Motability Scheme show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland. The Motability Scheme, or Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme as it is now known for those in Scotland on Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), offers an affordable way for disabled people to get around outside more easily.

It’s important to be aware that both schemes are the exact same and run by Motability Operations, it’s just a different name depending on which part of the country you live in. The scheme enables people in receipt of a disability benefit, with an award for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component, to transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.

READ MORE: Full list of people who may automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme

READ MORE: People on PIP with enhanced mobility rate have until Friday to claim £750 one-off payment

People on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) and Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) can join the scheme.

As well as a new car, customers also benefit from insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs as part of the package.

The latest price list for leasing packages has just been published on the Motability Scheme website and shows there are now more than 900 vehicles to choose from.

The Motability Scheme continues to offer good value for customers with its latest leasing packages, despite higher motoring costs affecting drivers across the UK. Increased motoring costs, including insurance, and changes in the car market mean that Advance Payments for some vehicles have increased.

However, leasing packages remain on average 45 per cent more affordable than alternative leasing options.

If you are choosing a car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it’s important to be aware that while some only use part or all of the mobility award payment (£75.75), most require an advanced fee which can range from up to £100 and £2,000.

Commenting on the new 2025 price list, Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations, said: “Drivers are seeing increased costs across the UK due to rising inflation and the price of energy, and these external factors affect what we can offer to our customers. We’re working with car manufacturers and our partners to provide good value to our customers and the Motability Scheme is 45 per cent cheaper on average compared to alternative options.

“We’re committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Scheme during this unprecedented period of change so that we can continue to keep our customers connected now and in the long term.”

What else is included in the lease?

You will get a brand-new vehicle, and a full package which includes:

  • Insurance

  • Servicing and maintenance

  • Full RAC breakdown assistance

  • Yearly tax

  • Three drivers - you can change these whenever you like

  • Kwik Fit replacement tyres

  • Windscreen repair or replacement

  • 60,000 mileage allowance over three years, or 100,000 for WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles

  • Many adaptations at no extra cost

Full details on the Motability Scheme can be found on the website here.

Below is a quick guide on the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme and how to swap all or part of your mobility payment to lease a vehicle.

How the new scheme works

Social Security Scotland guidelines state: “When you lease a vehicle through the scheme, it will be with our authorised provider, Motability Operations Ltd.”

Social Security Scotland will help you pay the lease using all or part of either:

  • the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment - £75.75

  • the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment - £75.75

Applying to lease a vehicle for yourself

You can apply to lease a vehicle yourself if you meet all of the following:

  • You get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment

  • You are 16 or over

  • You are able to manage your own payments

Applying to lease a vehicle on someone’s behalf

Social Security Scotland also advises that you may be able to apply to lease a vehicle on behalf of someone else.

This might be an option if you're either:

  • A parent or guardian of a child receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment

  • An appointee for someone who is receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment or enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment

How to apply

To apply to lease a vehicle using the scheme, go to the Motability website where you can:

  • Choose a vehicle

  • Find a dealership

When visiting a dealership, you need to present your certificate of entitlement. Social Security Scotland states that you will find this included in your decision award letter.

Find out more about Adult Disability Payment and leasing an accessible vehicle on the mygov.scot website here.

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