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How Do You Qualify For a Motability Car

The Motability Scheme is a UK registered charity that enables you to exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car. So how do you qualify for a motability car?

Eligibility criteria

Are you wondering how do you qualify for motability allowance? We outline the eligibility criteria for applying to the Motability Scheme. 

You must receive a qualifying mobility allowance with a minimum of 12 months remaining on your award length. This includes: 

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
  • Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
  • Enhanced Rate Mobility Part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)

If you’re unsure, you can use the Motability website to check your eligibility. 

Documentation requirements

To start and complete your Motability car application, you will need to gather the following ID and documentation:

  • A UK passport or driving licence for the appointee or customer applying
  • Know the National Insurance number (NINO) or Customer Reference Number (CRN) of the person receiving the allowance
  • Driving licences for all drivers and details of any claims history
  • Your driver declaration (if the driver is not there)
  • Your grant award letter (if applicable)

Motability will also accept the following forms of identification: current EEA photocard licence, member state identity card or a national identity card with a photo of the applicant, if you do not have a valid UK passport or driving licence.

Application procedure

The quickest and most efficient way to start your application for your Motability car is in your online account. You then need to complete your application with your chosen dealer and bring with you:

  • A UK passport or driving licence for the appointee or customer applying
  • Know the National Insurance number (NINO) or Customer Reference Number (CRN) of the person receiving the allowance

Alternatively, you can complete your whole application with your chosen dealership and bring with you the required documentation.

Part of the process, when finalising your application, the dealer will explain the Statement of Responsibilities form to ensure the Motability Scheme and the car you’re applying for is right for you. 

Motability will then run their eligibility and insurance checks. If approved, you will receive a letter to confirm your order, which usually takes up to two weeks. 

Additional considerations

There are some additional considerations which may impact your elgibility when applying for a Motability car, such as if you’re moving from DLA to PIP payments or experiencing a change to your qualifying allowances. You may be required to carry out a reassessment, if this is the case you will not be able to apply for your Motability car allowance until complete and you have been rewarded your allowance. 

Another consideration is if you’re claiming on behalf of a child. The application process remains very similar, you just need to ensure the child meets the eligibility criteria and the documentation provided is related to the child also. 

Tips for a successful application

For a smooth and successful application, It’s hugely important to thoroughly check all of your documentation to ensure information is accurate and up to date. If you do notice missing or incorrect information, you can raise it with the appropriate organisation to amend before using it within your application.

If you do want to raise any questions or concerns throughout your application, you can seek assistance from Motability’s customer advisors. They are on hand to talk you through each step, discuss documentation and answer any questions you have.

Our guide answers your questions ‘how do you qualify for motability car allowance’ and ‘how do you qualify for motability scheme’ by outlining the eligibility requirements, how to apply and the documentation required. Here at Mobility In Motion, we can help you select the right vehicle adaptations for your needs and advise on obtaining them on your Motability car. Get in touch with our friendly team of mobility experts. 

For further tips on mobility car allowance read our disability car allowance blog.

If you need guidance on finding a vehicle, read our motability car guide including everything you need to consider.