The DWP has been asked to evaluate the potential benefits of allowing older people with ‘significant mobility needs’ on Attendance Allowance to use the Motability Scheme
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been requested to assess the potential advantages of permitting elderly individuals with ‘significant mobility needs’ receiving Attendance Allowance to access the Motability Scheme. Unlike Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance lacks a mobility element.
Recipients of the enhanced rate PIP mobility component can use some or all of their payment to lease a new vehicle, wheelchair-accessible car, scooter or powered wheelchair via the Motability Scheme. At present, 815,000 individuals throughout the UK are using the programme, according to the Daily Record.
In a written reply to Labour MP Mohammad Yasin, who put forward the suggestion earlier this week, the DWP declared that Attendance Allowance “has never included a mobility component, and so cannot be used in payment for a leased Motability Scheme vehicle”.
Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms stated: “Qualifying benefits for the Motability Scheme are the enhanced rate mobility component Personal Independence Payment (enhanced rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment in Scotland), higher rate mobility component Disability Living Allowance (higher rate mobility component Child Disability Payment in Scotland), Armed Forces Independence Payment and War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
“Attendance Allowance is intended to help those with a severe disability who have long term care or supervision needs which arise after reaching State Pension age. It has never included a mobility component, and so cannot be used in payment for a leased Motability Scheme vehicle.”
However, the DWP Minister added: “There is no constraint on what an award of Attendance Allowance can be spent on, and a recipient may choose to use this benefit to fund mobility aids.”
It’s vital to understand that nobody using the Motability Scheme receives a ‘free car’ and most people with a current lease often have to make an additional up-front payment.
Scottish Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has urged the UK Government to abandon potential VAT and insurance tax changes affecting the Motability scheme.
Eligibility for the Motability Scheme or Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme
To join the Motability Scheme or AVE, you need to receive one of these qualifying mobility allowances, with at least 12 months remaining. If you receive a mobility allowance due to a disability or condition that makes it difficult to get around, you might be able to use it to lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme.
To be eligible, you must receive one of the qualifying mobility allowances and have at least 12 months remaining on your award:
- PIP: Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment
- ADP: Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment
- DLA: Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance
- CDP: Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- Scottish Adult DLA: Higher rate mobility component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
- AFIP: Armed Forces Independence Payment
- WPMS: War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
The Motability website provides guidance stating: “You cannot apply to join the Scheme if you receive a lower rate or component of the mobility allowance or if you receive Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).”
A comprehensive guide on how the scheme operates can be found on the Motability website. Customers also enjoy benefits such as insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyre and windscreen repairs as part of the package.
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 upfront fee ranging from £100 to £2,000.
What else does the lease include?
You will receive a brand-new vehicle, along with a full package which includes:
- Insurance
- Servicing and maintenance
- Full RAC breakdown assistance
- Yearly tax
- Three drivers – you can change these whenever you like
- Kwik Fit replacement tyres
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- 60,000 mileage allowance over three years, or 100,000 for WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles
- Many adaptations at no extra cost
Complete details on the Motability Scheme can be found on their website.
