Motability Scheme update for people on PIP, DLA or Adult Disability Payment

Daily Record

20-05-2025

Proposed reforms by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to health and disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), may affect the daily living award for an estimated 800,000 claimants, however the mobility element will remain unchanged.
The latest figures from the company behind the life-changing Motability Scheme show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland.
The Motability Scheme, or Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme as it is now known for those in Scotland on Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), offers an affordable way for disabled people to get around outside more easily.
It's important to be aware that both schemes are the exact same and run by Motability Operations - it's just a different name depending on which part of the country you live in.
The scheme enables people in receipt of a disability benefit, with an award for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component, to transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
People on benefits such as PIP, ADP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Scottish Adult DLA, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS) and Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) can join the scheme.
A full list of qualifying benefits and award level required can be found on the Motability website here.
As well as a new car, customers also benefit from insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs as part of the package.
The latest price list for leasing packages was recently published on the Motability Scheme website and shows there are now more than 800 vehicles to choose from.
An update on the website said: 'Our price list for April to June 2025 is now live. There are great options to choose from at every price point, so you can find the right fit for your needs.
'We're here to help you find a mobility solution that works for you. We update our line-up every three months to make sure you always have access to the best possible choice - whatever changes are happening in the car market.'
Motability goes on to explain how car manufacturers are focusing more on electric vehicles (EVs), meaning there are now more electric cars to choose from and if you're thinking about making the switch, the charity can help with all your queries, including charging.
The charity explained how the 'cost of building and running a car has gone up, including things like insurance, repairs, tyres and parts' adding that 'every lease has insurance, servicing, repairs and breakdown cover included in the price you pay. So these rising costs can affect prices'.
Motability continued: 'At the same time, petrol and diesel cars are becoming harder to source and more expensive to produce. You might notice higher Advance Payments for petrol and diesel cars. Even so, the Motability Scheme remains cheaper on average than leasing elsewhere.'
If you are choosing a car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it's important to be aware that while some only use part or all of the mobility award payment, most require an advanced fee which can range from between £100 and £2,000.
What else is included in the lease?
You will get a brand-new vehicle, and a full package which includes:
Insurance
Servicing and maintenance
Full RAC breakdown assistance
Yearly tax
Three drivers - you can change these whenever you like
Kwik Fit replacement tyres
Windscreen repair or replacement
60,000 mileage allowance over three years, or 100,000 for WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Many adaptations at no extra cost
Full details on the Motability Scheme can be found on the website here.
Below is a quick guide on the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme and how to swap all or part of your mobility payment to lease a vehicle.
How the new scheme works
Social Security Scotland guidelines state: 'When you lease a vehicle through the scheme, it will be with our authorised provider, Motability Operations Ltd.'
Social Security Scotland will help you pay the lease using all or part of either:
the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
Applying to lease a vehicle for yourself
You can apply to lease a vehicle yourself if you meet all of the following:
Applying to lease a vehicle on someone's behalf
Social Security Scotland also advises that you may be able to apply to lease a vehicle on behalf of someone else.
This might be an option if you're either:
A parent or guardian of a child receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
An appointee for someone who is receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment or enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
How to apply
To apply to lease a vehicle using the scheme, go to the Motability website where you can:
Choose a vehicle
Find a dealership
When visiting a dealership, you need to present your certificate of entitlement. Social Security Scotland states that you will find this included in your decision award letter.
here.