Motability FAQs

What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability for people aged 16 to 64. PIP is a non-means tested benefit and is not affected by earnings, other income or savings.

What is the difference between DLA and PIP?

As part of its welfare reform programme, the Government is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The Government began replacing DLA with PIP in April 2013 in Great Britain and on 20 June 2016 in Northern Ireland.

The DWP (or Department for Communities in Northern Ireland) are writing to affected DLA recipients informing them that they will need to apply for PIP.

The DWP continue to make payments until a decision on the PIP claim has been made. The most important thing you can do at this stage is ensure that the DWP (Department for Communities in Northern Ireland) has your correct contact details.

You don't need to do anything else until the department writes to you, however, once they have contacted you, make sure you respond within their given timescales.

For more information go to the DWP website

Can I get PIP?

If you are aged 16 to 64, you may be entitled to PIP if you have a daily living and/or mobility needs and require extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition. The DWP makes the decision about the amount of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) you get and for how long. PIP is made up of 2 components called daily living and mobility, and each can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate.

How much will I get?

*If you are in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of PIP (currently £59.75 per week) you are eligible to lease a vehicle on the Scheme.

What if I already receive DLA?

Existing recipients of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA who are reassessed and awarded the Enhanced Mobility Component of PIP will continue to be eligible to lease a vehicle on the Scheme. Existing customers who have an unsuccessful DLA–PIP reassessment will no longer be able to lease a vehicle on the Scheme and we will be in touch to help you return the car and support you through this transition. You will have around eight weeks from when the allowance payments end to return the car. Motability will write to you giving you all the information you need, including details of their transition support package.

You may also be eligible for a pro-rata refund of any Advance Payment you made.

Wear and Tear

Over the course of your agreement, we know that your car will show some signs of use. We want you to enjoy using your car so your Motability car comes with a "fair wear and tear policy". This means that wear and tear in line with a three year old car or unavoidable minor damage caused by a wheelchair or other mobility aid will be accepted as general wear and tear. Such general wear does not need to be repaired before returning your car at the end of the contract. However, to keep costs low for all our customers, cars that are returned seriously damaged to a degree which may affect re-sale value will be subject to damage payments. Plus if you return your car in a good condition at the end of your lease and have not made any insurance claims you may be eligible for a £250 bonus.

Mileage allowance

Motability leases now come with a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles for three-year agreements and 100,000 for five-year Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) agreements.

Affordable options for all

With over 300 cars available with no advance payment and hundreds more for less than £500 Motability is more affordable than ever.

Free training for young drivers

We can arrange and fund additional training for young drivers (between the ages of 16 and 24) on new Contract Hire agreements. The 6 hour training course is delivered by the AA. In the event of a claim, drivers who have successfully completed the training will pay a lower amount of excess than the standard amount for drivers in this age bracket. You can arrange to take driving courses through your dealer when you collect your car.

Adaptations

Adaptations are devices that can be fitted to a vehicle so that driving is safer and more comfortable, and getting in and out of the car is made easier. There are a number of adaptations available, many for no extra cost, that could improve your motoring experience, including adaptations to help with :

• Speed and steering
• Signalling and safety
• Stowage
• Seating and access

If you think you may benefit from an adaptation in your new car, Motability’s Managed Adaptations Programme offers a wide variety of options that could make your driving experience more comfortable. The Programme takes away the hassle of organising adaptations by managing the process for you from start to finish.

For more up-to-date answers to all aspects of the Motability scheme please visit the Motability FAQs section of their website.