How do I qualify for the Motability Scheme?
To qualify, you need to be receiving either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMC-DLA), Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). You can find out more from your local Department of Work and Pensions.
What age can I first receive the mobility allowance?
The Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be awarded from the third birthday of the disabled person. It is possible to apply for the allowance before that date and as long as the eligibility criteria is met, the award will start from when the disabled person turns three. If a child under three has had the allowance confirmed, an application can be made up to three months before their third birthday, but the lease agreement cannot start until the allowance is awarded.If a child above the age of three is in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Allowance, an application can be made to the Motability Scheme. The application will need to be submitted in the name of the appointee (parent or guardian) who is responsible for the allowance.Children who receive HRMC of DLA can remain on this benefit until they reach the age of 16 as long as they continue to satisfy the eligibility criteria. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will write to existing claimants before their 16th birthday to inform them when their DLA will end and how to claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) . The DWP currently have no plans to introduce PIP for those under the age of 16.
Can any other allowance be used with the Motability Scheme?
If you receive any of the following allowances and have at least 12 months award remaining, you can exchange all or part of the allowance to cover the cost of a lease agreement:Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living AllowanceEnhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).Unfortunately, no other allowances can be used through the Motability Scheme under any circumstances.
Can one household have two customers who are both on the Motability Scheme?
There are no restrictions to the number of Motability Scheme cars within a household, as long as all individual applicants are each in receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance and meet the eligibility criteria. The customer's allowance is used to cover the cost of the lease so it is only possible to have one vehicle per customer. The number of non-Motability vehicles in a household does not affect eligibility for the Scheme.
Which bodystyle should I choose (e.g. saloon, estate, hatchback)?
This depends on the needs of the person entitled to the Motability car. The best thing to do in order to understand the type of car that would suit your needs is to call into our Strand Road Showroom in Derry~Londonderry to speak with our Motability experts. We can help you decide by offering a wealth of knowledge, and arranging test drives on suitable vehicles.
Seat heights and door widths are important to me when choosing a car. Where can I find this information about Ford cars?
There are a number of good options:
- Talk to the Motability Specialist at a Motability accredited Ford Dealership. They can give you all the information you need.
- Pick up product brochures at your Ford Dealership.
- Arrange a test drive or ride to experience Ford first hand.
What if I don't drive?
The Motability all-inclusive package includes Insurance for two named drivers. Therefore you can still lease a new car even if you don’t drive - simply nominate two drivers. There are a few rules surrounding who can drive your car:
- Named drivers should live within 5 miles from the Motability customer’s address. Motability will however, consider requests to include drivers outside of this range where this is essential to support the customer’s mobility needs, however this is something you will need to discuss with them.
- Drivers under 25 are restricted to cars with an ABI Insurance Group 16 or lower and with a power output of 114 brakehorse power (BHP) or less.
- Only one named driver under 21 is allowed - this could be the motability customer, or another driver living at the same address.
What do all the acronyms mean?
HRMC-DLA – the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance.
WPMS – War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
DWP – the Department of Work and Pensions. The DWP send you notification of your allowance and can tell you what you’re entitled to.
ERMC PIP- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment.
AFIP - Armed Forces Independence Payment.
If your car is misused
When we are given information about misuse, we always investigate. If we find serious misuse or severe damage we reserve the right to take action that could include:
- Terminating the lease
- Excluding you from getting another Motability Scheme car
- Sending you the bill for any repairs or estimated loss in sale value.
Misuse would include:
- Not giving the disabled person the benefit of the car
- Driving whilst uninsured or banned
- Using the car in a criminal act
- Lending, sub-leasing or selling the car
- Using the car for unauthorised business purposes, for example, as a taxi driver or delivery vehicle
- Not taking proper care of your car
Reporting misuse
If you are concerned that someone is misusing any Motability Scheme vehicle, please use our contact form to report the issue .
ASK US QUESTION
Our expert team are on hand to offer support and advice.