Did you know you might be eligible for the Motability car scheme? We have put together this blog post to discuss what rate of PIP you need to be on to be able to access a car, as well as other useful information in regards to the allowance. Being able to use a car or have a close one drive you around in one is a key part of independence. You can get from a to b with ease. If you are considering using this scheme, you may also want to look at purchasing a car boot mobility scooter, which is a portable and foldable scooter you can use on days out. We also have a great selection of travel aids to enhance your travel experiences.
What Are The Rates of PIP?
The rate of PIP (Personal Independence Payment) you are eligible for will depend on your personal circumstances, The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will make this decision based on how difficult you find daily and mobility tasks. Daily tasks can include eating, washing and dressing. Mobility tasks can include physical movement, leaving your home and routine. Check out Millercare’s comprehensive guide to PIP for more information.
Daily and mobility make up the 2 components of PIP. Here are the weekly rates:
- Standard Daily Living Rate: £60
- Enhanced Daily Living Rate: £89.60
- Standard Mobility Rate: £23.70
- Enhanced Mobility Rate: £62.55
Find out more about the rates of PIP and how much you could get on the UK Government website or Citizen’s Advice for the extra financial help you can access.
What Is The Motability Car Scheme?
Motability is a charity that helps people pay for vehicles if they are disabled. You will not own the car, but you will lease it. So, if your allowances from the government stop, then you will no longer have access to the car. Your benefit will be directly paid to Motability each month in order to pay for your lease, and the amount of money that goes to the charity will depend on the vehicle you choose.
Check out Millercare’s amazing range of high-quality equipment at great prices!
What Does The Scheme Provide You With?
The scheme will provide you with a car of your choice, as well as other benefits. Such as:
- Fully comprehensive car insurance, which will cover you and other drivers in the event of an accident as well as theft, fire damage and vandalism. This is the most extensive level of coverage that you can get.
- The scheme will pay for tyre and windscreen replacements if either is damaged.
- Motability will pay for breakdown cover, so you will be retrieved if you break down or are involved in an accident.
- The scheme will pay for your vehicle tax.
- Maintenance prices.
- If there are adaptations you need to make for the vehicle to aid you, then the charity will pay for these too. Have a look at this guide to conversions and adaptations.
Eligibility
If you are on the standard rate of PIP, you cannot join the Motability scheme. Here is the eligibility criteria laid out by Motability, you must be on one of the following:
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
[Taken directly from Motability’s eligibility page]
As well as being on one of the mentioned allowances, you must also have 12+ months remaining on the allowance. Check if you are eligible on the checker tool.
How Do I Get A Vehicle?
1) Get together all important documents so that you are prepared. You will need a form of ID, like your driving licence or passport. Also, you will need proof of your benefits, so your certificate of entitlement from the DWP will be appropriate. The car dealer will also ask for proof of your address.
2) The next step is to find a dealer that leases vehicles near you and book an appointment with them to arrange the next steps. The dealer will talk you through vehicles that are available and which ones are most suitable for your needs.
3) Once you have found the vehicle that suits your needs, you can order it from the dealership and they will provide you with a delivery date.
4) The final step is to pick up your vehicle!
