The mobility component
This is available to people who meet one or more of the mobility conditions listed below. There are 2 rates: [Legislation (29)]
Lower:
- For people aged 5 or over
- and who are able to walk but need someone with them to provide guidance or supervision for most of the time when they are outdoors.
Higher:
- For people aged 3 or over
- and who are unable or virtually unable to walk due to a physical disability
- or have no legs or feet, either from birth or through amputation, at or above the ankle
- or are assessed to be both 100% disabled because of loss of eyesight and not less than 80% disabled because of deafness and need someone with them outdoors
- or are severely mentally impaired, with severe behavioural problems and qualify for the highest rate of the care component
- or by making the effort required to walk would endanger their life or cause deterioration in their health.
The definition of needing guidance or supervision outdoors, together with definitions for other mobility conditions, can be found in ‘Terminology’.
Artificial aids
If you can use an artificial aid such as a walking stick or an artificial limb, then your ability to walk using that aid is assessed. This does not apply if you have no legs or feet. [Legislation (30)]
People who cannot benefit from going out
The mobility component cannot be paid when you are unable to be moved for medical reasons, or you are unable to benefit from going out (for example, because you are in a coma).