Motability Scheme

With the Motability scheme, you can swap your Motability allowance for a lease agreement on a new vehicle. This could be a car, a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) or a powered wheelchair.

Am I eligible for the Motability scheme?

You can apply for a Motability vehicle if you’ve been awarded:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with higher rate mobility component
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with enhanced rate of mobility component
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) with mobility allowance
• War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Child Disability Payment with higher rate mobility component (Scotland)

To start, just choose an eligible car, and work out which adaptions need to be made, if any. The Motability scheme is only available on new cars, not used.

There’s plenty of choice from practically every manufacturer, click here to find eligible vehicles on Auto Trader. For the monthly prices, simply ask the dealer or visit the Motability site.

You’ll need to place your order at the dealership. Most franchise dealerships in the UK have trained Motability specialists on site, who can help you place your order and talk you through the steps. You can contact the dealership ahead of time to book your appointment, using the contact details on Auto Trader adverts.

Once you’re happy, the dealership’s specialist will submit your application and complete the order for you. They’ll also arrange the delivery day, and let you know what to bring when you collect your new car.

You’ll pay every four weeks, directly out of your benefits. These payments cover the cost of the car, plus insurance and many other running costs (see the list below). You’ll just have to pay for your own fuel.

Usually, payments are deducted from your Motability allowance and go directly to the Motability Scheme. This will be handled by your benefit payment agency.

Some cheaper cars may be covered entirely by the allowance, but if the car costs less than your mobility allowance you can claim whatever it left over back. This will be paid to you by your benefit payment agency.

If you choose a more expensive car, you will need to make an advance payment. This advance payment covers the cost between your Mobility allowance and the total cost of your lease, and is made as a one-off, non-refundable payment. If you need financial support making this advance payment, there’s more information on the Motability charity website.

The Motability scheme payments cover the vehicle itself, plus any adaptations. Your monthly payments will also cover:

• Insurance for up to 3 named drivers
• Tyre and windscreen replacement cover
• Breakdown cover
• Vehicle tax
• Servicing and maintenance, including MOT

You’ll pay separately for the fuel you use.

Under some circumstances, you can use your vehicle for work. You’ll need to get permission from RSA Motability, and ask for a ‘Business Use Application Form’.

You won’t be permitted to use a Motability vehicle for some jobs, like taxi services or deliveries.

You can help an eligible person apply to the Motability scheme and choose a car, but you cannot apply on their behalf. Only those who have been assigned the eligible levels of Motability allowance can make the application.

You can apply for a Motability vehicle for a child aged three or over (provided they meet the criteria). You can learn more about that on the Government website.

A Motability vehicle can be driven by the applicant, plus up to two more people. Named drivers must be listed on the Certificate of Motor Insurance.

The Motability terms and conditions specify that “the car is used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person”. Named drivers can use the car for shopping and activities that benefit the disabled customer – you wouldn’t be able to drive it around for yourself.