There is much talk these days about motability vehicles, what they are, how they can be acquired and who can get them. For anyone looking to get a Motability vehicle, the first step is understanding what they are exactly.
A motability vehicle is a vehicle that is given to a disabled person in exchange for their monetary government benefits on account of their disability.
However, not every disabled person is eligible for a motability car and eligibility itself is determined by a number of factors and only applies to certain groups of people which are as follows:
- Recipients of the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA): The DLA is a form of benefit paid by the government to disabled individuals.
The people who receive this benefit are those who have special mobility needs as a result of their disability. This includes those who are unable to walk without discomfort, have lost their limbs and so on. The DLA payment comes in two forms.
There is the care aspect which is for general upkeep and personal care costs and there is the mobility aspect which is for helping the individual to get around more easily. These aspects are paid to the individual at different times and are of different amounts are based on their individual’s condition.
Previously, the DLA was available for individuals aged 16-65 but is now only available for new claims for children under the age of 16.
For individuals to qualify for a Motability vehicle, they must have been recipients of the DLA scheme for at least 12 months.
- Recipients of the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP): The PIP is a monthly tax-free payment that is made to residents of England, Scotland or Wales who are between the ages of 16-64 years.
The people in question must have a disability which currently negatively impacts their daily movement or mobility and anticipate that this disability will continue for at least the next 9 months.
Recipients of the PIP scheme are eligible to visit a car dealer such as Sandown Group for a motability vehicle such as a Mercedes Benz Motability car to enable them to get around easier. The PIP scheme is not limited by current employment status.
- Recipients of the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement: The allowances are provided by the Veterans UK group and are for service personnel who were severely injured in active service.
The WPMS payment is £66.75 per week while the AFIP payment is £59.75 per week. Both can be given in exchange for leasing a Motability vehicle.
Conclusion
If you are looking to get a Motability vehicle, the first step you should take is ensuring that you are eligible to receive one in the first place. If you are a recipient of any of these schemes, then you are eligible for one. Speak to your chosen car dealer in order to make the best choice of motability vehicles
