New Motability Scheme update for people on PIP, ADP and other disability benefits
New figures from the company behind the life-changing Motability Scheme show there are now over 800,000 customers across the UK, including 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.
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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.
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), some require an advanced fee which can range between up to £100 and £2,000.
Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations explained how drivers are seeing increasing costs across the country due to rising inflation and energy costs, and the need for car manufacturers to meet sales targets as the UK transitions to electric means that more vehicles on the Scheme may require a higher advance.
He said: “We’re working with car manufacturers and our partners with the aim of providing our customers with stand-out value and the Scheme is 45 per cent cheaper on average compared to alternative options.
“During this period of rising costs and an unprecedented period of change for the car industry, we’re committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Scheme so that we can continue to keep our customers connected now and in the long term.”
Many people who may have had higher rates of qualifying benefits for some time, or new claimants, may not be aware of a £750 payment available to those leasing a vehicle for the first time, which can be used towards a new lease.
It's called the New Vehicle Payment for cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and is only available once per customer. People can choose to send the money directly to the dealer to help towards an Advance Payment, or have it paid in full to themselves after they get their vehicle.
It’s called a New Product Payment for scooters and powered wheelchairs, and it’s £100 instead - people get this after their new equipment has been delivered.
Motability advises that you cannot get both the New Vehicle Payment and the New Product Payment.
The new Motability price list is currently offering more than 950 cars, including over 45 that require no advance payment, which means the £750 New Vehicle Payment would go directly to the claimant.
People can choose a lease that uses all of their mobility allowance - this is known as a variable lease.
Electric Vehicles
Guidance on the website states: “As manufacturers move their attention to electric vehicles (EVs), we’re able to bring more choice to the Scheme. Their change in focus means that some petrol and many diesel models are being phased out."
Some of the 209 electric cars in the latest list include 42 models with Advance Payments under £1,000. it's important to be aware that these figures may change, but you can check for yourself on the Motability Scheme website here.
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.
