PIP, DLA and the Motability scheme

What is the Motability scheme?

Motability is an independent charity that runs the Motability scheme. It allows eligible disabled people or their families to exchange their weekly mobility payment from DLA or PIP to lease a vehicle — a car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair — at a fixed price.

Who is eligible

To use the Motability scheme, you must receive one of the following:

• The enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component
• The higher rate of the DLA mobility component (for children)
• The War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

You must also have at least 12 months remaining on your current mobility award. Note: the standard rate PIP mobility component does not qualify for the Motability scheme.

How the scheme works

Instead of receiving your weekly mobility payment in cash, you assign it to Motability. In return, Motability provides a leased vehicle including insurance, breakdown cover, and servicing. You do not own the vehicle — you lease it for a fixed period (usually 3 years for cars).

Some vehicles may require an advance payment (a one-off sum paid at the start of the lease). Others are available at no extra cost.

Drivers do not have to be the disabled person

The vehicle can be driven by the disabled person themselves or by up to two named drivers. This makes the scheme useful for families where a parent or carer drives the disabled child or family member.

Official source

For full details and to apply: Motability scheme website | GOV.UK — Motability scheme