Numi Kent
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is under increasing pressure to revise the eligibility criteria for the Motability Scheme, particularly to support elderly individuals who become disabled after reaching State Pension age.
Critics argue that the current system unfairly excludes pensioners receiving Attendance Allowance, limiting their ability to access adapted vehicles for mobility.
Understanding the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme enables people with mobility-related disabilities to lease a vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair using certain qualifying mobility benefits.
However, this scheme is not available to recipients of Attendance Allowance (AA)—a benefit awarded to people over State Pension age who need assistance due to a physical or mental disability.
To qualify for the scheme, individuals must receive one of the following allowances with at least 12 months remaining:
| Qualifying Benefit | Eligibility for Motability |
|---|---|
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Mobility Component | Yes |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Higher Rate Mobility | Yes |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) | Yes |
| War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement | Yes |
| Attendance Allowance | No |
Why Attendance Allowance Is Excluded
According to DWP Minister Sir Stephen Timms, there are no current plans to revise the Motability Scheme’s criteria.
He emphasized that although Attendance Allowance cannot be used directly to fund a Motability vehicle, recipients can spend their benefit however they choose, including on mobility aids.
Sir Stephen explained the structure of Attendance Allowance:
- Lower rate: £73.90/week for daytime or nighttime care.
- Higher rate: £110.40/week for care needed day and night, or terminal illness.
Importantly, AA is not means-tested, does not depend on National Insurance contributions, and may act as a passport benefit to additional support such as Pension Credit or Carer’s Allowance.
Call for Change
MP Fred Thomas raised concerns in Parliament, urging the DWP to assess the impact of excluding elderly disabled individuals from the Motability Scheme.
He highlighted the disparity between younger disabled people who can lease vehicles and older individuals with similar needs who cannot.
Disability advocates argue that mobility should not be restricted by age, especially as the elderly often face greater isolation and limited public transport options. They demand that Attendance Allowance recipients be granted access to the same opportunities.
Alternative Support – Blue Badge Scheme
While AA recipients cannot lease vehicles through Motability, they may still qualify for the Blue Badge Scheme, which allows for closer and more accessible parking.
To automatically qualify, applicants must meet criteria such as:
- Receiving higher rate mobility DLA
- Being registered blind
- Scoring at least 8 points under the PIP mobility component (‘moving around’)
Additionally, eligibility may extend to those who:
- Experience extreme psychological distress
- Have hidden disabilities such as autism or dementia
- Cannot walk without mobility aids
- Have a child under 3 requiring emergency medical access
Applications can be submitted via GOV.UK in England, Scotland, and Wales. The local council reviews and decides the outcome based on submitted evidence, which may take up to 12 weeks or more.
As the UK population ages, the demand for fair and inclusive mobility support continues to rise. The current Motability Scheme limitations leave out some of the most vulnerable individuals—elderly disabled claimants—who often rely heavily on mobility access for their independence and well-being.
With growing parliamentary and public pressure, the DWP is being called upon to reconsider its eligibility criteria and ensure that support is equitable regardless of age or benefit type.
FAQs
Why can’t Attendance Allowance be used for the Motability Scheme?
Attendance Allowance lacks a mobility component, which is a required feature for leasing a vehicle under the Motability Scheme.
Can Attendance Allowance recipients still get help with mobility?
Yes, while they can’t use Motability, they can spend their allowance on mobility aids and may qualify for a Blue Badge.
Will the DWP change the rules to include Attendance Allowance?
Currently, the DWP has no plans to amend the eligibility criteria, despite calls from MPs and disability advocates.