According to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates, 218,859 people in Scotland are now receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and will have their award converted to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) by the end of 2025.
DWP Updates PIP Claimants on Transition to ADP for Accessible Vehicles Scheme
Existing PIP claimants are not required to claim ADP and will get a letter approximately three months before the changeover confirming the exact date when Social Security Scotland will take over distributing the benefits.
The letter also includes new information about what claimants should do prior to the transfer, throughout the transition, and after the process is concluded.
The DWP letter includes: “If you have a Motability agreement because of your PIP award, the agreement will move to your Adult Disability Payment award.
“The agreement could be for a Motability car, powered wheelchair or scooter. You do not need to re-apply to Motability.”
When the current lease expires, people who have switched to ADP will renew in the same way that they would under the Motability Scheme, but via the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme.
It is crucial to note that clients do not need to take any action; the transfer between schemes will be handled by Social Security Scotland. Renewing or applying for a vehicle through the plan will work in the same way and adhere to the current eligibility standards.
Existing customers need not be concerned because the modification will have no effect on the scheme at the user level; it is mostly an administrative adjustment.
The Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme will assist disabled persons lease a variety of vehicles, including:
- Cars
- Scooters
- Powered wheelchairs and specifically adapted vehicles.
According to Motabiltiy, there are around 690,000 users in the UK, with Scotland accounting for an estimated 10% (70,000).
The Motability Scheme's Spring Price List comprises more than 980 inexpensive cars and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). There is also a broader selection of options, and all leases come with the Scheme's 'worry-free' package.
This involves:
- Insurance: Breakdown cover (RAC).
- Servicing and MOT, as well as support for electric vehicles.
As the cost of many basic necessities rises, leasing a car through the Motability Scheme remains cheap for disabled drivers. The Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme provides the same level of support as the Motability Scheme, but under a different name for devolved purposes.
The Motability Scheme presently offers over 120 cars with no advance payment, including electric vehicles. There are also more than 250 vehicles accessible with a Low Advance Payment of less than £500.
How the Latest Scheme Works
According to the Social Security Scotland guidelines, “when you lease a vehicle through the scheme, it will be with our authorised provider, Motability Operations Ltd.”
Social Security Scotland will assist you to pay the lease with all or part of either:
- The increased rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- The increased rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
More information on the scheme is available on the Motability website, here.
Applying to Lease a Car for Yourself
You can apply to lease a vehicle yourself if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You can get a higher rate for the mobility component of Child Disability Payment or an improved rate for Adult Disability Payment.
- You are 16 or older.
- You can manage your own payments.
Leasing a Vehicle on Someone Else's Behalf
According to Social Security Scotland, it is possible to apply to lease a vehicle on behalf of someone else.
This could be an option if you're:
- A parent or guardian of a child receiving the highest rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment.
- Appointee for someone 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 Submit an Application?
To submit an application to lease a vehicle under the plan, visit the Motability website, where you can:
- Select a vehicle.
- Find a dealership.