The Motability Scheme allows people receiving disability benefits to trade all or some of their weekly mobility allowance for a new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair, which can provide them greater freedom and independence.
Motability Updates: £750 New Vehicle Payment and Scheme Details
Recent data from Motability indicates that there are approximately 690,000 customers all over the UK, with about 10% of the 70,000 recipients residing in Scotland.
The scheme is accessible to those who receive War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, Armed Forces Independence Payment, and people getting the higher mobility rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Additionally, it is accessible to those living in Scotland who receive the higher rate mobility component of the Child Disability Payment (CDP) or the enhanced rate mobility part of the Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
Nevertheless, many individuals who have been receiving higher rates of qualifying benefits for a long period, as well as new claimants, may be missing out on a £750 payment available to those renting a vehicle for the first time.
It's referred to as the New Vehicle Payment for cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and is limited to one per customer.
People have the option to either send the money to the dealer to assist with an Advance Payment, or receive the full amount themselves after obtaining their vehicle.
When leasing a vehicle through the Motability Scheme, known in Scotland as the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme, certain vehicles may require an advance payment.
It’s crucial to know that these two schemes are ruled by Motability Operations Ltd and adhere to similar eligibility guidelines.
It’s referred to as the New Product Payment for scooters and powered wheelchairs, and it’s £100 instead. People can receive payment after their new equipment has been received.
However, Motability states that people cannot receive both the New Vehicle Payment and the New Product Payment simultaneously.
Motability has recently updated the July to September 2024 price list, and is now offering a range of more than 900 cars, including over 65 models that do not require an advance payment. This allows recipients to receive the £750 New Vehicle Payment.
People can pick a lease known as a variable lease that utilizes their entire mobility allowance. For more information regarding the latest price list updates, visit the Motability website.
Electric Vehicles
New guidance available on the website includes: “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.
“We’re starting to see prices increase for those that continue to be available. But we’re still able to offer more than 115 cars with no Advance Payment, including popular models such as the Fiat 600 (down from £1,495) and Dacia Duster (down from £995).”
Certain electric cars in the updated list include models with Advance Payments below £1,000.
Other Aspects Covered by the Lease
The full package that comes with your new vehicle includes:
- Full RAC breakdown assistance
- 60,000 mileage allowance over three years, or 100,000 for WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles)
- Insurance
- Kwik Fit replacement tyres
- Many adaptations at no extra cost
- Servicing and maintenance
- Three drivers
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- Yearly tax
Understanding the New Scheme
Social Security Scotland guidelines include: “When you lease a vehicle through the scheme, it will be with our authorised provider, Motability Operations Ltd.”
Social Security Scotland can assist with covering the lease by using the full amount or part of either:
- The higher mobility rate of Child Disability Payment: £75.75
- The enhanced mobility rate of Adult Disability Payment: £75.75
Steps to Lease a Vehicle for Your Personal Use
If you meet the criteria listed below, you can apply to lease a vehicle yourself:
- You receive the higher mobility rate of Child Disability Payment or the enhanced mobility rate of Adult Disability Payment
- You are 16 or older
- You can handle your own payments
Applying to Lease a Vehicle for Someone Else
Social Security Scotland also states that you can apply to lease a vehicle for someone else.
This might be possible if:
- You are a parent or legal guardian of a child who receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment.
- You have been selected as an appointee for someone who receives 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
In order to apply for a vehicle lease using the scheme, visit the Motability website, choose a vehicle, then find a leadership.