PIP's implications on Motability
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was introduced in April 2013, as a replacement for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for individuals who were aged 16-64 on the 8th April 2013. Individuals are being assessed for PIP using different criteria to DLA which may mean that the level of entitlement somebody received under DLA may differ once they have been assessed for PIP. By 2018 everybody in receipt of DLA who was aged 16-64 on the 8th of April 2013 will have received a letter informing them that their DLA award is coming to an end and that they are invited to apply for PIP.
For people that meet the criteria for the Enhanced Rate Mobility PIP their entitlement to the Motability Scheme will remain unchanged and they will be able to continue to lease a Motability vehicle. Unfortunately, due to the changes in criteria there may be many people who do not meet the criteria for the Enhanced Rate Mobility PIP who did receive Higher Rate Mobility DLA, and therefore will no longer be able to lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme.
Motability’s ‘Transitional support package’
For those affected Motability recognises that the change is going to be financially difficult. To help support these people they will give each customer financial assistance depending on the date they joined the scheme.
For customers who joined the Scheme before 2013 and return the car within eight weeks, £2000 will be available. Alternatively you can choose to keep the vehicle for 26 weeks, however in this case you will receive a reduced payment of £500.
For customers who joined the Scheme during 2013 and return the car within eight weeks a transitional support payment of £1,000 will be available. Alternatively you can choose to keep the vehicle for 26 weeks and receive a reduced payment of £250.
For customers who joined the Scheme since 1 January 2014, when more information on PIP became available, a standard £250 Return to Dealer payment will be available if the vehicle is returned within eight weeks.
All dates relate to the period starting from the day of the last DLA allowance payment.
Motability's Stopped Allowance Support payment
This support package was introduced in in September 2019 and available for 3 years. The aim of this allowance is to assist customers who unfortunately become no longer eligible following a reassessment of their benefit. It is not possible to claim this as well as the Transitional support package above.
This support is available to customers who have been reassessed in the following situations.
· PIP to PIP
· DLA to DLA
· DLA to PIP if you did not qualify for the transitional support package.
If you have become no longer eligible due to one of the above reassessments you could receive £1000 stopped Allowance payment. This is provided the car is returned in good condition and on or before the date arranged with Motability operations.
Alternative car leasing Companies
Mobility Vehicle Hire
DMUK Corporate Members, Mobility Vehicle Hire provide a flexible mobility leasing scheme, allowing their customers to hire on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The company’s fleet includes vehicles with a vast range of adaptations from Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) to cars with infra-red control systems. When you have decided which vehicle you want the company will deliver it to your home and take it away again once you are finished with it. To arrange a booking you can call them on 0845 293 2799 or visit www.mobilityvehiclehire.net/booking/
Allied Mobility
Allied Mobility, who are also DMUK Corporate Members, specialises in the production of fully wheelchair accessible cars and MPVs. All vehicles are available via the Motability Scheme, to buy or on short and long-term rental. In addition, as part of their service they provide ‘Allied Aftercare’ where they pledge to stay in touch with their customers for as long as they have their vehicle; giving them any further support they may need, including annual safety checks for new vehicles. Before you choose your vehicle you will also be able to organise a home demonstration and request a test drive. Pricing does vary, so to get a quote you can call the company on 0800 088 5328 or visit www.alliedmobility.com.
There are many vehicle leasing companies throughout the UK. Please shop around to make sure you get the best vehicle to suit your needs.
Accessible public transport
‘Passenger Assist’
We understand that for a disabled person having to use conventional public transport can be a worrying prospect; however, for any longer journeys travelling by train could now be far more viable than you may think. This this is because many train stations now provide a ‘Passenger Assist’ service. In the stations where this service is in place, the staff will be able to give you the assistance you need when carrying your luggage, navigating the station and negotiating the train itself. When you are booking ‘Passenger Assist’ the station will make a note of your mobility needs and the type of assistance you require, this record will then be shared with you and all of the stations along your route making your journey as easy as possible. Please note that all train stations ask for a minimum of 24hours notice to make the arrangements.
Concessionary bus passes
Disabled people are eligible to receive a concessionary bus pass free of charge. This bus pass will enable you to travel free on local busses and on transport schemes such as ‘Park & Ride’ you will be entitled to the reduced rate that applies to that area. To apply for your free bus pass please contact your local council.
The London Taxicard Scheme
The Taxicard Scheme has been set up to help fund taxi journeys for disabled people living in London. If you only travel short distances this can be a very cost effective way of staying mobile.
When you are a member of the Taxicard Scheme your Borough Council will pay a large percentage of your taxi fares. However, there are two factors which impact the remaining cost you pay for:
The member flat fare- This is the amount a member of the scheme must pay regardless of the details of the journey. It will be either £1.50 or £2.50 depending on where you are.
The borough trip subsidy- This is the maximum amount that each borough will pay towards your taxi fare. This amount varies depending on the time of day and will be more at weekends.
The amount you have to pay is calculated by adding the member flat fare and the borough trip subsidy together. You will only have to pay more than the member flat fare if the total amount comes to more than the fare displayed on the meter. If this is the case you will need to pay the difference between the meter reading and the borough trip subsidy. So the cost of your taxi journey will always be greatly reduced.
In order to apply for a Taxicard you must be a London resident and you need to request an application form from your local Borough Council. The application process usually takes around four to eight weeks. You will be automatically eligible for a Taxicard if you receive; the Standard Rate of Personal Independence Payment, the War Pensions Mobility Supplement or if you are registered severely sight impaired. If none of these apply to you, you can still apply but success cannot be guaranteed.
To find out more about the Taxicard Scheme visit www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/taxicard
Community Transport Association
The Community Transport Association (CTA) is a membership association that advocates community transport and helps to improve policy, strategy, regulations and investment across all levels of government. The association gives advice, guidance, training and ground level support to help the relevant operators provide a variety of accessible public transport schemes.
Dial – a – Ride
Dial – a – Ride, provided by the Community Transport Association, is a service run for disabled people who have difficulty accessing public transport. The service uses accessible minibuses to pick up groups of people who are traveling to one place or going on a similar route. The service can normally be booked anytime within normal working hours and, depending on the sort of journeys you take, you could find this to be more cost effective than using a regular taxi service. Please keep in mind you will be required to book your ride in advance, as the minibus that picks you up will be carrying other people and the service is tailored to meet the individual needs of everybody that comes onboard. To find out if this service has been put in place near you, you can contact your local council offices or Citizens Advice Bureau.
Wheels to work
‘Wheels to work’ is a scheme that provides financial support for people who can’t afford their own transport to work or place of education. The scheme does this by helping to fund people’s public transport fares. To find out if the scheme is available near you please contact your local council or Citizens Advice Bureau.
Voluntary car sharing schemes
A car sharing scheme is when two or more people, either travelling to the same destination or going along a similar route share a car journey to cut down on costs. To find out if there is one of these schemes operating in your area contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.
For more information on the transition from DLA to PIP and to find out how it affects you visit www.gov.uk/pip
