SUPPORTED BY:
The No.1 payroll and employment advisory support service for users of direct payments.
Learn more....
Motability – the leading car scheme for disabled people
Motability is the UK’s leading car scheme for disabled people. Since it was set up on the initiative of the government in 1978, it has provided millions of people with affordable, convenient, trouble-free motoring through the provision of a new car. Powered wheelchairs and scooters can also be financed through the Scheme. Motability’s car and wheelchair schemes currently provide freedom and independence to some 420,000 disabled people and their families, across the UK.
The Scheme is directed and overseen by Motability, a national charity that also raises funds and provides financial help to customers who would otherwise be unable to join the Scheme.
How the Motability Scheme works
As a unique and successful collaboration of the public and private sectors, the Motability Scheme enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowances to obtain a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter through contract hire and hire purchase schemes.
By far the most popular option, chosen by over 97% of customers is the contract hire of a new car, which offers worry free motoring at affordable prices. Customers can choose a brand new car of their choice from over 20 manufacturers, on a three or five-year lease. Full insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, tyre and windscreen replacement are all included in a single monthly payment.
Many cars are available simply by customers transferring their allowance to Motability for the period of the agreement. However, on larger or more expensive models, an additional payment (known as an advance payment) may be required.
Competitive hire purchase schemes, over one to three years, are also available to purchase a new or used car, powered wheelchair or scooter.
Who can apply?
The Scheme is available to anyone who is receiving one of the following benefits, and has at least 12 months award length remaining when they apply:
A parent or carer can apply on behalf of a child aged three or older and non-drivers can apply for a car as a passenger. Once their application has been accepted, the customer pays all, or part, of their allowance to Motability for the duration of the contract hire or hire purchase agreement.
Getting on the road
Cars are supplied through a network of over 3,500 Motability dealerships across the UK. There is also a national network of accredited retailers of powered wheelchairs and scooters.
Adaptations to cars
For most Motability customers, a standard production car is suitable for their needs, but special adaptations are needed for around 10% of customers, to enable them to drive safely, or travel in comfort as a passenger.
Providing additional financial help
Motability also awards various grants to help those customers who need additional financial help to obtain the mobility solution they need. These grants go towards a range of essential vehicle adaptations and conversions, the advance payment towards a chosen car and to assist in the funding of driving lessons.
As well as administering government-funded grants, Motability makes its own charitable grants. Motability’s fundraising team exists to help meet this demand and raises money in a variety of ways, with the help of individual supporters, corporate support and events, trusts and appeals and employee fundraising initiatives.
For further information about the Motability Scheme, please telephone
0845 456 4566, or visit the Motability website at www.motability.co.uk
Elaine Holloway
Hampshire Ambulance Service worker, Elaine Holloway, is 50 years old and has been living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 7 years. MS is the most common disabling neurological disorder to affect young adults; damage to the central nervous system makes it difficult for the brain to send messages to other parts of the body.
Elaine has recently purchased a powered wheelchair, to use indoors, through the Motability Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme.
She explains: “A friend told me about the Scheme, so I thought I’d look into it. The whole process of buying a wheelchair on the Scheme was really easy. I saw the wheelchair I wanted when I visited a supplier, and then the supplier brought the chair to my house so I could try it out. I bought the chair on a Purchase Plan, which means that after three years I’ll own it.
“Before I had the wheelchair I relied on a rollator walker to keep me mobile; it’s a type of walking frame with wheels at the front, and rubber-tipped legs at the back. Then my condition deteriorated and I started finding it really difficult to get around the house. Over the past two years walking has become limited to taking just a few steps. This wheelchair acts as my legs now; it allows me to move around more easily, so I can get on with household chores and simply enjoy my home a bit more.”
Elaine’s work with the ambulance service spans 19 years, and has included working in many areas, from operational duties and call handling in the control room, through to her current position in the Clinical Data Department.
Elaine is passionate about her work: “I want to carry on working for as long as possible. I love my job and it gives me something to focus on. I wouldn’t want to sit around all day worrying about my illness. I do get tired, and I have to say, coming home to a powered wheelchair is a welcome relief after a hard days work.”
Elaine lives in Winchester with her husband, Clifford. “When I’m not at work I like to try my hand at flower arranging, or get stuck into a good book. I have a lot more time for hobbies now that my children have both grown-up. But what I love most is spending time with my grand-daughter – she’s lots of fun, and it’s great to have someone to share my love of books with!
