Motability Jargon Buster

Motability Jargon Buster: How Motability Works & Key Terms

At TrustFord, we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the freedom of travel, without discrimination. We all have different needs, but being able to move around freely opens up new horizons and a world of opportunities. With this in mind, Motability is a scheme that helps disabled people maximise their personal mobility, encouraging greater independence.

The Motability Scheme forefronts freedom by offering disabled people the opportunity to lease a vehicle without the worry and maintenance of owning one. If you haven’t heard of it before, or you’re thinking about applying, this helpful jargon-buster breaks down key Motability terms.

Motability In A Nutshell

We all have needs that vary depending on our situations and circumstances. For some people, getting around can be more difficult because of a physical or invisible disability.

If you receive benefits for a disability that impedes your ability to travel around, the mobility component of your allowance is designed to help with any additional transportation costs you might incur. Each year, thousands of people who are registered disabled use their mobility allowance towards the lease and maintenance of a vehicle. This is known as the Motability Scheme.

If you have a physical or mental condition that affects your mobility, you could be eligible. To be considered, you need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Higher Rate Mobility of the Disability Living Allowance (HMRC DLA) – this allowance is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and can be used to cover the cost of a lease agreement with Motability Operations Ltd.
• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP) – The government is replacing DLA with PIP for disabled people aged between 16 and State Pension age. The Motability scheme works in the same way as it does with DLA.
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) – this allowance is provided by Veterans UK and it can be used to cover the cost of a lease agreement with Motability Operations Ltd.
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) – introduced as part of the Welfare Reform Act 2012, those who receive this allowance will be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

The scheme is also open to parents and appointed carers who can drive on behalf of the person with mobility issues. The only stipulation is that the vehicle must be used by or for the benefit of the disabled person. This could therefore mean driving lessons for a person with spina bifida, greater independence for someone with Parkinson’s or providing a means to great family holidays for a parent or carer of an autistic child.

Glossary Of Key Motability Terms

When it comes to Motability, we understand that navigating some of the key terms can be confusing. So, here’s a list of Motability-related definitions to help give you a better understanding.

• Adaptations: these cover a range of mechanical and electronic devices that can be fitted to your car to help make travelling easier. For example, perhaps you are a wheelchair user and need a stowage system that works at the touch of a button to safely store your chair.
• Advance Payment: this is a type of payment made to your Motability Scheme dealer upfront, before you receive your Motability vehicle. This is in addition to your weekly Motability allowance and is non-refundable. It’s calculated by a number of factors which include the cost of the car and is needed in the case that your Motability allowance may not cover the cost of a larger Motability vehicle.
• Blue Badge: This is a government scheme which helps people with severe mobility issues to park in designated spaces that allow more room and are closer to the destination. It can be used when driving or as a passenger in your Motability vehicle.
• DWP: Department for Work and Pensions. The largest governmental department in terms of employees and budget, the DWP is responsible for welfare and pension policy, as well as disability benefits that relate to the Motability Scheme.
• Good Condition Bonus: if you return your vehicle in good condition, you could be entitled to receive a Good Condition Bonus as a way of saying thank you for taking care of your car. The amount you receive depends on the length of your agreement.
• Lease: Leasing a Motability vehicle means to use it for a fixed amount of time, at an agreed price, which is based upon the amount of disability allowances you receive. For more information about allowances, see here.
• MPV: Multi-purpose vehicles.
• Named Driver: the person formally allocated to drive the Motability vehicle. Up to three named drivers can be included as part of your lease.
• Nominated/Appointed Carer: A nominated carer is a person who is formally acting on the behalf of someone with severe mobility problems. It is also someone responsible for managing regulated documents of the disabled individual.
• SUV: Sport Utility Vehicles.
• WAV: Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.