As calls grow louder for more mobility support for older adults, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is under fresh pressure to make a big change: allow Attendance Allowance recipients with serious mobility needs to access the Motability Scheme. Currently, they can’t. Why? Because unlike Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance doesn’t include a mobility component.
But should it? Advocates, including MPs, think so. Let’s break down what’s happening and why this matters.
Exclusion
Right now, around 815,000 people in the UK benefit from the Motability Scheme, a programme that lets individuals lease vehicles—like cars, scooters, or powered wheelchairs—using part of their mobility benefit. But here’s the kicker: this is only open to people on specific benefits, including the mobility component of PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), and a few others.
Attendance Allowance? Totally left out. It has no mobility element and therefore, DWP says, can’t be used to join the Motability Scheme. That means many older people—who may struggle just as much with getting around—don’t get the same support.
Response
Labour MP Mohammad Yasin recently asked the DWP to consider a rethink. But the answer from the government was a firm no—for now.
Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms clarified that the Motability Scheme is only accessible through benefits that include a mobility component. He said Attendance Allowance is specifically designed to cover care or supervision needs for people over State Pension age, and not mobility.
Still, he did point out one thing: there’s no restriction on how Attendance Allowance is spent. So technically, someone could use the funds to pay for mobility aids—just not to lease a car through Motability.
Pressure
The push to expand Motability access comes at a tense time. There’s growing speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could cut tax reliefs linked to the Motability Scheme in the upcoming Autumn Budget on November 26. That’s caused serious concern, especially among Scottish ministers like Shirley-Anne Somerville, who are urging the UK Government not to mess with VAT and insurance tax exemptions tied to the scheme.
Eligibility
So who can join the Motability Scheme right now? You’ll need to receive one of these qualifying benefits with at least 12 months remaining on your award:
| Qualifying Benefit | Mobility Component Required |
|---|---|
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Enhanced rate mobility component |
| Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) | Enhanced rate mobility component |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Higher rate mobility component |
| Child Disability Payment (Scotland) | Higher rate mobility component |
| Scottish Adult DLA | Higher rate mobility component |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) | Included |
| War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) | Included |
Those receiving Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, or ESA are not eligible for Motability access under current rules.
Package
Wondering what’s included in the Motability Scheme? It’s more than just a car. Here’s what customers get:
| Included in Lease | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Fully covered, including named drivers |
| Servicing and maintenance | Included |
| Breakdown cover | Provided by RAC |
| Road tax | Annual tax included |
| Tyres and windscreen repairs | Free through Kwik Fit |
| Mileage allowance | 60,000 over 3 years or 100,000 for WAVs |
| Vehicle choice | Standard or wheelchair-accessible cars |
| Adaptations | Many free of charge |
But here’s a reality check: most vehicles require an upfront fee, known as an advance payment, which can range from £100 to £2,000, depending on the model.
Outlook
The idea of expanding Attendance Allowance to include mobility support isn’t new—but it’s gaining traction. With a large ageing population, many believe it’s time for the government to adapt. After all, mobility issues don’t stop at pension age.
Allowing Attendance Allowance recipients into the Motability Scheme could be life-changing for many. More independence, less isolation, and better quality of life. But for now, the DWP says the rules stay as they are.
We’ll have to wait and see whether this pressure leads to real policy change—or if it gets lost in the shuffle of budget cuts and red tape.
FAQs
Can Attendance Allowance be used for Motability?
No, it doesn’t include a mobility component.
Which benefits qualify for Motability?
PIP, DLA, ADP, CDP, AFIP, and WPMS qualify.
Is a free car provided through Motability?
No, many cars require an upfront fee.
Can Attendance Allowance be spent on mobility aids?
Yes, there’s no restriction on how it’s used.
What’s included in the Motability package?
Insurance, tax, servicing, breakdown cover, tyres, and repairs.
