Can I Use My Dla to Buy a Car

If you receive the mobility component of either Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a disability or health condition that makes it difficult for you to move around safely outside your home independently, you may be able to use all, or part of it to pay for a vehicle from a charity called Motability.

Over 600,000 customers across the UK currently enjoy the options and independence that the Motability Scheme offers.

You can choose from a huge range of vehicles including different sized cars, vans, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs - all brand new.

It's important to understand that you won't own the car, it will be a lease agreement for a three-year period and will continue for as long as your disability benefit award does, which means you can choose a new car at the end of each lease period.

And if you need adaptations made to a vehicle, for example, hand controls, steering aids and pedal modifications, most are offered for free under the Motability Scheme.

Motability Scheme eligibility criteria

You will qualify for a Motability car or vehicle if you have been awarded:

• Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - currently £62.55 per week

• Enhanced rate mobility component of PIP - currently £62.55 per week

• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement - currently £69.85 per week

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) - currently £151.40 per week

When you apply for a Motability vehicle, you must have at least 12 months left before your benefit award is due to end - check your benefit decision letter if you're not sure.

You can't apply for a Motability vehicle if you're getting DLA and the DWP have sent you a letter inviting you to apply for PIP - you won't be affected if you already have a Motability vehicle.

If you don't drive, you can still get a Motability vehicle and choose someone else to drive it - you can nominate up to two people to drive on your behalf.

What are the benefits of the Motability Scheme?

There are currently over 1,350 cars to choose from and the Motability package includes:

• insurance, including tyre and windscreen replacement cover

• breakdown cover provided by the RAC

• vehicle tax

• servicing and maintenance

• adaptations if needed

A mileage limit of 60,000 miles over the three-year lease period is placed on Motability cars – if your car exceeds this mileage, you'll have to pay 5p for every additional mile.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are offered on a five-year lease, with a total mileage limit of 100,000 miles.

Who pays for Motability cars?

The Motability Scheme uses your mobility payment to help cover the cost of a new car - in full or part.

Your benefit will go directly to the Motability Scheme each month to pay for your lease, you don't have to organise any payments.

How much of your benefit will go towards your vehicle will depend on which model you choose.

What happens at the end of my lease?

Three months before your Motability lease is due to end, you'll be contacted to place an order for your next car.

If your current lease is due to expire before your next car will be ready, your car dealer will arrange a short-term extension of the current car for as long as this is needed.

How to join the Motability Scheme and find a vehicle

You will need to show evidence that you are eligible for the scheme. - it's worth getting this ready before you start looking for a vehicle.

You will need:

• your ID - such as a driving licence or passport

• your certificate of entitlement from the Department of Work and Pensions

Follow these four simple steps to get a Motability vehicle

1. Find a dealer

There are more than 4,500 Motability dealerships across the UK, you can find a dealer near where you live on the Motability website here.

You can also call the Motability helpline on 0300 456 4566. The lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm (calls cost 12p per minute from a landline, and from 3p to 45p from a mobile).

However, a message on the Motability website advises: "Our phone lines are very busy so you may experience delays. "

2. Visit the dealer

Once you've found a dealer, ask for an appointment with their Motability specialist.

You can ask them to visit you at home or help arrange your transport to and from the dealership, if it's hard for you to get there.

You may be asked to do a questionnaire to help find a vehicle that suits you best.

Let your dealer know if you think your vehicle needs to be adapted. Motability offers some adaptations for free - you can check if the adaption you need is available on their website.

If you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, take it with you to make sure it fits in the car.

You can also browse the car selections and choose one that you think is right for you on the Motability website.

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3. Order your vehicle

Once you've found the right vehicle, you can order it at the dealership.

You'll need to show:

• your certificate of entitlement from the DWP - this is your Award letter

• a form of identification, such as a passport or driving licence

• proof of address, such as a Council Tax bill or bank statement from the last six months

If you'll be driving the car you'll need to show your driving licence.

About two weeks after ordering your car you'll get a confirmation letter in the post. Keep it safe - it contains your Personal Identification Number (PIN). You'll need this when you collect your vehicle.

4. Collect your vehicle and sign the lease

You'll sign your lease agreement by entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) at the dealership.

It's worth asking for your vehicle to be delivered, if you can't get to the dealer easily.

To find out if you are eligible to join the Motability scheme, visit the website here.

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Can I Use My Dla to Buy a Car

Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/pip-and-dla-motabiltiy-scheme-24632169

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