With the Motability scheme, you can swap the mobility component of your disability benefit for a lease agreement on a new vehicle. This could be a car, a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), a mobility scooter or a powered wheelchair.
You can apply for a Motability vehicle if you are receiving:
At the time of application there needs to be at least 12 months left before your benefit ends. You can check your benefit decision letter to confirm how long you have left.
You can’t apply for a Mobility vehicle if you’re currently receiving DLA but have received a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) saying you need to apply for PIP instead. If you already have a Mobility vehicle and have received this letter, you won’t be affected.
You don’t have to be able to drive to make use of Motability: friends or family members can be nominated to drive the car but they should live within five miles of the person applying. You can apply for a Motability vehicle for a child who is aged 3 or over.
Your benefit is paid directly to the Motability scheme each month to pay for your lease. How much of your benefit goes towards leasing a vehicle will depend on which one you choose.
You will probably need to make a payment upfront if you choose a more expensive vehicle. You might be able to get some help with this payment, depending on your circumstances. There is more information about getting extra financial help on the Motability charity website.
Leases generally run for three years or five years for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. At the end of the lease you can either lease another vehicle through the scheme, see if you can keep your current vehicle longer, or, return the vehicle and have your benefit reinstated.
Insurance, servicing and breakdown cover are included with Motability cars. Motability can organise and cover the cost of installing a home charge point if you choose an electric car.
You can adapt your leased vehicle for driving, access, or mobility aid storage. Many adaptations are available at no additional cost, as long as they are fitted at the start of the lease. There might be an extra cost for more complex adaptations or adaptations that are required once the lease has started.
Motability Foundation may be able to help if you are not able to afford essential adaptations.
You can order a vehicle from a dealer or start your order online Motability website
You can find a dealer near where you live on the Motability website or you can call the Motability helpline on 0300 456 4566
Once you have found a dealer, ask for an appointment with their Motability specialist – you can ask them to visit you at home if it is difficult for you to get there.
