Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a financial aid benefit which helps people with disabilities cover daily living and mobility costs. Those with significant mobility issues may also be eligible for the Motability Scheme, letting them lease a vehicle using their mobility allowance.
But how do you get a disability car, and do you qualify if you’re on the standard rate of PIP? Can you access the scheme if you don’t receive the enhanced rate, or do you have to look for alternatives? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What is PIP?
In the UK, people can claim a benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if they have long-term health conditions or disabilities. It’s designed to help with any extra costs associated with their daily living and mobility needs.
PIP is awarded based on how much a person’s condition affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks, rather than on the condition itself. It is not means-tested, so income and savings do not affect eligibility.
PIP mobility rates
There are two ‘parts’ to PIP, each with their own eligibility criteria: the ‘daily living part’ and the ‘mobility part’. There are also two rates, meaning people whose disabilities affect them more significantly may receive larger payments.
When it comes to mobility:
- The standard rate is awarded to people who require some help with moving around, especially for longer or unfamiliar journeys – but they can walk at least 20 metres, either unaided or using a mobility aid.
- The enhanced rate is for people who have significant mobility issues and need substantial assistance getting around. For example, people who can’t follow a familiar route independently, can’t walk at all, or can only walk a few metres (aided or unaided).
People awarded the enhanced rate for mobility can claim under the Motability scheme. Those on the standard rate, or who are only eligible for the daily living part of PIP, cannot. However, if your mobility issues change, you can apply for reassessment.
How do you qualify for a disability car (UK)?
Motability is a charity that leases disability-friendly vehicles, like cars, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs, to those who need them. You can use the vehicle for as long as you receive a qualifying allowance (such as the mobility part of PIP).
You don't own the vehicle, nor do you pay for it with your own money. Rather, you exchange the mobility component of the relevant allowance for the vehicle – payments are sent directly from the allowance provider to Motability.
Depending on the vehicle you want, you may need to pay a certain amount up front too. This is non-refundable and is not considered a deposit, although grants may be available.
Can I get a mobility car on standard rate PIP?
The Motability Scheme is for people with significant mobility issues that require specialised aids, like vehicles adapted to their specific needs.
With regards to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you will only be eligible for Motability if you qualify for the enhanced rate of the mobility component.
If you are receiving the standard rate for mobility, or have only been awarded the daily living component of PIP, you are not eligible for the scheme.
You can also apply if you receive one of the following allowances:
- Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
- Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
To apply to join the Motability Scheme, you must have at least 12 months left on your allowance.
Alternatives to the Motability Scheme
If you are not eligible for the Motability Scheme, there are several other options that you may find useful.
Other mobility aids
Although not necessarily as flexible as mobility cars, there are other mobility aids that can make it easier to get around if you struggle to walk long distances.
These include:
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Manual wheelchairs:
These tend to be the most affordable option.
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Electric wheelchairs and powerchairs:
These offer greater freedom of movement, but are more expensive.
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Mobility scooters:
These are perfect for taking short trips that mobility cars are often used for, like getting to the shops and back, and come in a wide range of prices and specifications.
Car finance
It is also possible to access a mobility car without going through Motability. Some lenders and dealerships offer flexible payment plans suitable for those with disabilities or on lower incomes. You could also buy the car through a payment plan, which is a significant advantage over Motability, because you’ll own it outright rather than leasing it.
Government and charitable support
Motability isn’t the only relevant scheme that can help you access mobility aids. There are many charities that help those with disabilities access scooters and wheelchairs, while others can help modify the car you already have or pay for your public transport. Contact local disability organisations or talk to a social worker for more information about what’s available in your area.
Browse mobility aids at Complete Care Shop
In summary, you cannot get a mobility car through the Motability Scheme if you’re on the standard rate of PIP. You can only apply if you are on the enhanced rate. That being said, there are other options that can help you maintain your independence, from car finance plans to alternative mobility aids.
Visit Complete Care Shop today to explore our huge variety of walking aids, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and more. For additional information or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.