A significant update is on the horizon for hundreds of thousands of disabled individuals utilising the Motability Scheme, set to roll out next month. The latest data from the company behind the transformative Motability Scheme reveals a customer base of 815,000 across the UK, including approximately 80,000 residing in Scotland who are using the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme.
Both schemes are identical and managed by Motability Operations, with the name differing based on the region of residence. The scheme allows those receiving a disability benefit, with an award for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component, to allocate some or all of the payment towards leasing a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
The forthcoming Autumn price list for leasing packages will be made available on the Motability Scheme website on 1 October. This price list undergoes updates every three months. The current price list for leasing packages, which was introduced on 1 July, boasts over 860 vehicles to select from at the time of writing.
Individuals receiving benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Scottish Adult DLA, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) and Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) are eligible to join the scheme, reports the Daily Record.
A comprehensive list of qualifying benefits and the required award level can be found on the Motability website. In addition to a new car, customers also receive insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs as part of the package.
Lisa Thomas, chief customer officer of Motability Operations, recently commented on the launch of the summer price list, stating: “The Motability Scheme connects disabled people to lifechanging freedom and independence. Not only does it help to connect people to the world around them, but it also opens up greater opportunities, with Scheme customers able to work an additional two days a week on average.
“Drivers across the whole of the UK are experiencing rising motoring costs due to rising inflation, insurance and the impact of the shift to electric vehicles. We continue to work hard with manufacturers and partners to provide our customers with value and choice.”
When selecting a car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it’s crucial to note that while some only use part or all of the mobility award payment, most require an advanced fee which can range from between £100 and £2,000. Here is a brief guide on the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme and how to exchange all or part of your mobility payment to lease a vehicle.
How the scheme operates in Scotland.
According to 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 in paying the lease using all or part of either: the higher rate mobility component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (Scottish Adult DLA).
Applying to lease a vehicle for yourself.
You can apply to lease a vehicle yourself if you meet all of the following criteria.
You get either the:.
Applying to lease a vehicle on someone’s behalf.
Social Security Scotland also advises that you may be able to apply to lease a vehicle on behalf of someone else.
This might be an option if you are either:.
This might also be an option if you are an appointee for someone who is receiving either the:.
How to apply.
To apply to lease a vehicle using the scheme, visit the Motability website where you can:.
When visiting a dealership, you need to present your certificate of entitlement. You’ll find this included in your Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment decision award letter.
If your benefit is moving to Scottish Adult DLA, Social Security Scotland will send you your certificate of entitlement up to 5 days after your benefit has moved.
Find out more about Adult Disability Payment and leasing an accessible vehicle on the mygov.scot website here.
