For many, it’s the key to independence. But navigating the eligibility rules can feel like a maze, especially when it comes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
A common question we hear is, “Can I get a mobility car at the standard rate of PIP?” It’s a straightforward question, but the answer is a bit more layered. The short answer is no, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Understanding PIP and the Motability Scheme
First, a quick refresher. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit in the UK designed to help adults with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. It’s split into two parts:
- Daily Living Component: For help with everyday tasks.
- Mobility Component: For help with getting around.
Both of these components have two rates: a standard rate and an enhanced rate. The rate you receive is determined by a points-based assessment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The Motability Scheme is a charity that partners with the government. It allows people who receive a qualifying high-rate mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. The key phrase here is “high-rate.”
So, can you get a mobility car on the standard rate of PIP?
No, you cannot lease a car through the Motability Scheme if you only receive the standard rate of the PIP mobility component.
The scheme requires you to have the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP to be eligible for a car lease. Why? Because the scheme uses the entire enhanced rate payment to cover the cost of the lease. The standard rate payment is significantly lower and simply isn’t enough to cover the leasing costs of a new car, which include insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover.
- Enhanced Rate Mobility: As of 2024/2025, this is £75.75 per week. This full amount is what’s exchanged for the car lease package.
- Standard Rate Mobility: This is £28.70 per week.
As you can see, there’s a substantial difference of over £47 per week between the two rates. Hence, the scheme’s model is built entirely around the higher payment amount for car leases.
What CAN You Get with Standard Rate PIP?
This is where the conversation gets more interesting. While you can’t get a car, receiving the standard rate of the PIP mobility component does open up other options within the Motability Scheme. It allows you to lease a scooter or a powered wheelchair.
This is a fantastic option if your mobility challenges are more about shorter distances, like getting to the shops, navigating a park, or moving around your local area. You can exchange all or part of your £28.70 weekly payment to lease a brand-new scooter or powered wheelchair.
The results? You get a reliable, fully-maintained mobility aid without a massive upfront cost. The lease package is similar to the car scheme and typically includes:
- A new scooter or powered wheelchair every three years.
- Full insurance and breakdown assistance.
- All servicing, maintenance, and repairs.
So, while the dream of a car might be off the table for now, the standard rate still provides a valuable key to independence.
“What If I Was on DLA and Moved to PIP?”
This is a situation that has affected many people. Before PIP, the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) had a Higher Rate Mobility Component. Many people on this rate were Motability Scheme customers for years.
When the government began moving people from DLA to PIP, not everyone who was on the higher rate of DLA was awarded the enhanced rate of PIP. In fact, government statistics have shown that a significant number of people either lost their mobility component entirely or were moved down to the standard rate.
If this happens to you while you have a Motability car, the scheme won’t leave you stranded overnight. They have a transitional support package in place. But, once the process is complete and your DLA stops, you will unfortunately have to return the car.
Options if You’re Not Eligible for the Car Scheme
Realizing you don’t qualify for the car scheme can be disheartening, but don’t lose hope. You still have several avenues to explore for getting a suitable vehicle.
1. Buy a Used Car with Your PIP Payments
Your standard rate mobility payment is £28.70 per week, which comes to roughly £124 per month. While that’s not enough to lease a new car through Motability, it can be a significant contribution toward the running costs or financing of a reliable used car.
Many people use their PIP payments to:
- Secure a small loan or financing for a second-hand car.
- Cover the monthly costs of fuel, insurance, and tax.
- Pay for necessary adaptations to a car they already own.
The used car market offers a wide variety of vehicles at different price points. A budget of a few thousand pounds can get you a very dependable small car that’s economical to run.
2. Grants from Motability and Other Charities
The Motability charity sometimes provides grants to help with transportation needs, even for those not on the car scheme. These are called “Scheme-Related Grants.” For example, they might help with the cost of driving lessons or vehicle adaptations.
There are also many other charities that provide grants to disabled people for transportation. Organizations like the MS Society or various benevolent funds linked to specific professions or industries may be able to help. The key is to research and apply.
3. The Access to Work Scheme
If you need a vehicle to get to your job, the Access to Work scheme might be able to help. This is a government-run program that provides grants to help disabled people overcome work-related obstacles. This can include funding for:
- Specialist equipment.
- Taxi fares to and from work.
- Adaptations to your vehicle.
It’s not for personal use, but if your main barrier is commuting, it’s an essential program to look into.
4. Appealing Your PIP Decision
Finally, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. If you believe you meet the criteria for the enhanced rate of the mobility component but were awarded the standard rate, you have the right to challenge the DWP’s decision.
The PIP assessment is based on a points system. To get the enhanced rate for mobility, you need to score 12 points or more in the mobility section. This usually relates to being unable to walk more than 20 meters safely and reliably.
The appeals process involves:
- Mandatory Reconsideration: You ask the DWP to look at their decision again, providing any new evidence you have.
- Tribunal Appeal: If the decision doesn’t change, you can take your case to an independent tribunal.
Success rates at the tribunal stage are surprisingly high—historically, over 60% of PIP appeals that go to tribunal are successful. It’s a daunting process, but if your mobility is severely limited, it’s a path worth considering. Getting advice from organizations like Citizens Advice can be invaluable here.
Final Thoughts
So, back to our original question: can you get a mobility car on the standard rate of PIP? The answer is a clear no. But that’s not the end of the journey.
A standard rate award is still valuable. It gives you access to the Motability Scheme for scooters and powered wheelchairs, providing a vital lifeline for local mobility. Plus, the weekly payment can be used to help fund a used car, which is a practical and popular alternative.
Navigating the benefits system and its related schemes can be tough. But understanding exactly what you’re entitled to is the first step toward finding the right solution for your independence. Whether it’s through leasing a scooter, buying a reliable used car, or appealing your PIP decision, there are always options to explore.
