Motability
You can if you wish use the higher rate of the mobility component of your DLA to pay for a car, powered wheelchair or pavement scooter through the Motability scheme. The Disability Contact and Processing Unit at Warbreck House pays the money, all or part, direct to Motability Operations, Motability's service provider for cars, or route2mobility, Motability's service provider for powered wheelchairs and pavement scooters, on your behalf. Motability is a registered charity which helps people receiving DLA higher-rate mobility component to get a car (which can be specially adapted), powered wheelchair or pavement scooter.
The provisions outlined in this section also apply to people receiving the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement. New cars are available on contract hire or can be bought on hire purchase (HP). Powered wheelchairs, pavement scooters and used cars are also available through contract hire or HP over a term of 1 to 5 years. Finance is provided through separate companies.
You must have an award of DLA mobility component (at the higher rate) and you should expect to receive the allowance for the full length of the agreement you choose. Motability will accept your application if you have at least 12 months of your award remaining when you apply. The type and length of agreements available under the Motability Scheme are:
| New car on contract hire lease | 3 years |
| New or used car on HP | 2 to 5 years |
| New car on HP | 4 or 5 years |
| New or used powered wheelchair or scooter on HP | 1 to 3 years |
| New or used powered wheelchair or scooter on contract hire lease | Up to 3 years |
You must agree to the Disability Contact and Processing Unit paying all or part of your DLA mobility component direct to Motability Operations or route2mobility for the duration of the agreement. Before taking delivery, you must pay any difference between the cost of the vehicle and the amount of DLA available during the period of the agreement.
Cars on contract hire (lease)
You must agree to pay all or part of your DLA mobility component (including any increases) to Motability Operations for the whole of the standard 3-year period. Any deposit or extra costs, including adaptations, have to be paid at the start of the agreement. You must also pay for the removal of any adaptations on expiry of the agreement. Some cars are available for less than the rate of benefit and any balance of DLA mobility component will be paid back to you.
Repairs and maintenance are provided free under the hire agreement, but it is your responsibility to arrange for the servicing and repair of your car. Motability has special arrangements for insurance which form part of the agreement. You are also responsible for keeping your car in good condition apart from fair wear and tear. If you make no insurance claims during the three years on the Scheme and the car is returned in good condition, you will be eligible for a £200 bonus.
A charge is made if your average mileage exceeds 45,000 miles in 3 years.
Cars on hire purchase (HP)
Motability will advise you of the length of the HP period and agree with you the amount of DLA which will be paid directly to Motability Operations. Any balance of DLA remaining and all increases are paid to you. You must pay any deposit and extra costs not covered by the HP agreement. As you are buying a car, you must arrange and pay for the running costs and obtain comprehensive insurance cover.
Further information
Detailed information about the above schemes or the HP schemes for used cars, powered wheelchairs and pavement scooters can be obtained from the address given in 'Useful addresses'.
Motability can also advise you if you have problems in meeting the deposit or extra costs. If you can show that you need a particular vehicle or adaptation, Motability may be able to assist you from its charitable funds or Government funds.
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
If you get a war pension assessed at 40% or more and you are unable to walk because of the disability you get the pension for, you may be able to get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. There is no age limit and it pays more than the DLA mobility component. For more information, get VA-Leaflet-2 "Notes for people getting a war pension living in the United Kingdom" from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency.