The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently issued clarifications regarding the eligibility criteria for the Motability Scheme following parliamentary inquiries. The scheme currently serves individuals receiving certain disability-related benefits, assisting them in leasing cars, powered wheelchairs, or scooters.
Motability applicants must receive one of the following benefits: the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, Armed Forces Independence Payment, the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment.
Since its inception in 1978, the Motability Scheme has provided an affordable solution for disabled people and their families to access transport for employment, education, healthcare, and other needs.
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Recently, questions have been raised regarding possible expansion of the scheme to include recipients of Attendance Allowance, a benefit currently not covered by Motability. Josh Babarinde, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne, asked the DWP Secretary of State, Sir Stephen Timms, about reconsidering eligibility criteria to include those receiving Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance is claimed by approximately 1.7 million people, primarily those who have reached State Pension age and have physical or mental disabilities requiring substantial care or supervision for at least six months.
In response, Sir Stephen Timms explained that Attendance Allowance is intended to support those with severe disabilities arising after State Pension age, whereas Motability focuses on individuals with mobility needs earlier in life. He noted that developing mobility issues in older age is typically considered a normal part of ageing, which younger non-disabled people have had more opportunity to plan and save for. Additionally, Attendance Allowance recipients may use their allowance as they see fit, including funding mobility aids.
Around the same time, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard, an Ulster Unionist Party life peer, also questioned the government on plans to enable Attendance Allowance recipients to qualify for Motability benefits. Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for the DWP, echoed the government’s position and highlighted alternative support avenues. She advised that disabled people over 65 can apply for the Blue Badge Scheme through local authorities, which offers parking concessions for those with severe mobility difficulties. Further assistance options are available, with details found on the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) website.
For those interested, more information about the Motability Scheme and application procedures can be found on the official Motability website.
Attendance Allowance applications can be made online or by post. Applicants typically need to provide a National Insurance number, address, contact details, information about their disability or health condition, details of their GP surgery or medical centre, as well as any care home, hospital, or hospice if applicable. Different rules apply for applicants in Northern Ireland or those with life-limiting illnesses; full details are available on the gov.uk website.