Understanding what kind of vehicles are available under disability allowance can be tricky to get your head around.
What kind of vehicle you could get is dependent on a couple of factors, including your own particular disability allowance and what this means you could be eligible for.
There are a vast number of options available, including small cars, SUVs, people carriers, family estates, wheelchair accessible vehicles, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Which one is right for you will depend on what you need the car for, and your own personal requirements. Some things to consider include who will be driving or travelling in the vehicle, what type of journeys you will need to make, and how much space you have to keep the vehicle at home.
When you get a vehicle under disability allowance, it’s worth knowing that you don’t own the vehicle, rather, you pay for the lease of it. If you stop receiving your benefit then the vehicle will have to be returned.
Can I get a car on disability allowance?
If you receive a benefit because you find it difficult to get around due to an illness or disability, you may be able to use your benefit to pay for a vehicle from Motability, a charitable organisation dedicated to enabling people receiving disability benefits remain mobile.
If you’re eligible, your options for vehicles include cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
You’ll need to receive financial support in the form of one of the following benefits, and have at least 12 months left on your allowance to qualify for the Motability scheme:
- Enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- Higher rate mobility component of the Child Disability Payment (CDP)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of the Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
To go ahead and get a car or WAV via the Motability scheme, you can visit the Motability website to first check that you qualify. You can view available vehicles on the website before heading to a dealer near you.
Ransome Mobility is a Motability dealer and our team of specialists are ready to help you with any questions you might have about the motability scheme. You can read more about how we can help you with your Motability vehicle needs on our website, browse our selection of WAVs online, or come and see us at our dealership.
How do you qualify for a disability car on DLA or PIP?
Qualifying for a disability car on DLA
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was previously awarded to people who have difficulty with everyday tasks, including getting around. Adults between 16 and state pension age can no longer make new claims for DLA.
If you’re currently receiving the higher rate mobility component of DLA then you’re more likely to be eligible for a motability car. You’ll also need to have at least 12 months left on your allowance.
Qualifying for a disability car on PIP
DLA is currently being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP is intended to help with extra costs for those living with a long-term health condition or disability.
To qualify for a motability vehicle under PIP, you need to be awarded the enhanced rate mobility component and have at least 12 months left on your allowance.
PIP is divided into two parts: the mobility part and the daily living part. Each of these parts has a higher and a lower rate, which will be decided based on each person’s individual circumstances. In order to qualify for the motability scheme, you’ll need to be on the higher, or enhanced, rate of the mobility part. You won’t be able to get a mobility car on standard rate PIP.
What cars are available on disability allowance?
A wide range of different cars are available through the motability scheme, including small hatchbacks, family estate cars, SUVs and people carriers. Petrol, diesel and electric cars are all available options, and models range all the way from a Fiat 500 to a Jeep Avenger.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available too, which feature specific adaptations to make them suitable for either wheelchair drivers or wheelchair passengers.
If you are a wheelchair user, either some or all of the time, then a WAV could be a good option when it comes to choosing your mobility vehicle.
WAVs for wheelchair drivers
WAVs for wheelchair drivers fall into two categories: internal transfer WAVs and drive from WAVs.
An internal transfer WAV usually has a powered rotating seat that allows the driver to transfer from their wheelchair into the driving seat in the rear of the vehicle, before rotating into the driving position.
Drive from WAVs allow the driver to remain in their wheelchair without having to transfer to another seat. Often, the standard driver seat can also be replaced, meaning a companion can drive the car on occasions when the wheelchair user would prefer to travel as a passenger.
WAVs for wheelchair passengers
WAVs for wheelchair passengers are typically either rear passenger or upfront passenger WAVs.
In a rear passenger WAV, the wheelchair passenger travels in the back of the car. They’re usually entered through a large door at either the back or the side of the vehicle.
In an upfront passenger WAV, the front passenger seat is removed, making space for the wheelchair passenger to travel next to the driver.
WAVs are not usually made as wheelchair vehicles in the factory, rather, they are adapted from suitable makes and models. Contrary to what some may think, they are not always large cars, and in fact there are a range of smaller WAV options that are similar in size to popular compact cars like the Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa. Some common vehicles that make great WAVs include the Citroen Berlingo, Volkswagen Caddy and Fiat Qubo.
You can also get a mobility scooter or a powered wheelchair via the scheme, however, you can only have one motability lease at a time. This means that you cannot get, for example, a powered wheelchair and also a WAV or a mobility car.
Find out more about the Motability scheme with Ransome Mobility Solutions
Ransome Mobility Solutions is proud to be a motability specialist. As a part of the Motability network, we can offer expert advice on the different vehicles that are available on Motability, and our dealership showcases a range of new and used WAVs.
Browse our website, get in touch or come and see us to find out more about how we can help you with your Motability needs.