Charitable Grants Through Motability

Not many people are aware that the Motability Scheme is actually delivered by two separate organisations that work together to deliver the benefits of the Motability. They are:

• Motability, a registered charity responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the Motability Scheme, and
• Motability Operations Limited, a private company that runs the Motability Scheme under contract to Motability.

Together they have helped millions of disabled people use their government-funded Mobility Allowance to lease a brand new car, WAV, scooter or powered wheelchair.

As a registered charity, Motability offer charitable grants to disabled people who would otherwise be unable to afford what they need to get around and retain their independence.

These grants can be used to help fund a range of different needs, including:

• Help to pay for higher Advance Payments, so a customer can lease a larger or more expensive Motability car or WAV.
• Help to cover the costs of any necessary adaptations, such as a wheelchair hoist, on a new Motability vehicle or one that is already being leased.
• Help with the cost of driving lessons.

Motability are unable to approve every request they receive for charitable funding, so to ensure they prioritise the money to the people that need it the most grants are all means-tested. In other words, Motability will take into account many factors, including the amount of income and capital a person has, before deciding whether or not to accept an application for a grant.

If, after researching all of your options, you think you would benefit from a charitable grant you should contact the Motability Customer Service team to discuss it further.

0300 456 4566   Motability Charitable Grants

Last year Motability awarded more than 8,000 grants to help people pay for cars, WAVs, driving lessons and adaptations.    

If you want to apply for a grant Motability will ask you to provide information on your disability (including how it affects or impairs your mobility), as well as your financial situation, including any savings and investments you may have and any income you receive from either paid employment or means tested benefits. You will also need to disclose your household circumstances in order to determine your eligibility. As a part of your application you will also be asked to provide any helpful supporting documentation to help Motability make their decision.

When you have done all this Motability will begin to consider your application and assign a Case Manager to support you throughout the process.

If you are unsuccessful, it is possible to request an appeal through your Case Manager, especially when there is new information or you believe Motability have failed to take something important into account.

You can find more information about the financial support available to Motability customers on the Motability website.