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Motability is an independent charity set up as a unique partnership between the Government, Charitable and private sectors to help disabled people in receipt of certain benefits become mobile by offering contract hire or hire purchase facilities on cars.
Wheelchairs and scooters are also available under hire purchase agreement.
Disabled people who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement can use their benefit towards the cost of obtaining a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through the Mobility Scheme. The allowance must be awarded for at least 12 months for contract hire agreements or for long enough to complete the chosen agreement for the hire purchase scheme. The disabled person does not have to be able to drive to apply to Motability. A relative, friend or carer can drive for them. Children from 3 years old can also get help from the scheme.
Types of scheme available:-
The main Schemes available to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter are:
- A three year Contract Hire Scheme to lease a new car;
- A four, or five year, Hire Purchase Scheme to buy a new car;
- A two, three, four or five year, Hire Purchase Scheme to buy a used car;
- A two, or three year, Hire Purchase Scheme to buy a Powered Wheelchair or a Scooter.
Contract Hire: There is a mileage limit of 45,000 over the three year lease period. However, all maintenance and servicing costs are covered, together with comprehensive insurance and a recovery service membership.
Hire purchase: There is no mileage limit under this scheme. However, the delivery charges, cost of number plate, maintenance, repairs and fully comprehensive insurance are all extra under this scheme.
Choosing a car or electric wheelchair/scooter: If the disabled person is uncertain whether they will be able to drive or needs advice about the type of car/wheelchair/scooter that would be most suitable for them and any adaptations which may be required, Motability can provide the names and addresses of organisations who can assess the needs of the disabled person. Also, the Motability Centres, which are funded by the Government can help assess the mobility needs of the disabled person.
In case of wheelchair manufacturers’ agents will demonstrate wheelchairs in the customer's home. It is recommended that the customer looks at more than one before making a decision.
To claim the customer should:
- telephone the customer helpline on 0845 456 4566
or
Additional financial help: If the customer cannot meet the full cost of the type of car and any adaptations that they need Motability may be able to provide help from its Charitable Fund or specialised vehicle fund.
Charitable funds help provide grants towards the less expensive adaptations, advance payments or driving lessons.
Specialised Vehicle funds provide grants to help those disabled people who require more complex passenger and driving solutions.
Grants are given towards the least expensive suitable solution to meet the disabled person’s basic mobility needs. These funds are limited and there is a waiting list.
The fund will not help with running costs such as petrol and oil.
For further information please write to or phone:
Warwick House
Roydon Road
Harlow
Essex
CM19 5PX
Tel: 0845 456 4566
Minicom: 01279 632273
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