Personal Independence Payment (PIP) And Motability Cars

For some people, PIP may be the first disability allowance they’ve ever received. For many others, PIP is gradually replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). People who previously received DLA are being reassessed by healthcare professionals on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to determine the level of financial support they need.

The criteria for a PIP award is certainly stricter than the old DLA system. In the past, DLA was often awarded through self-assessment. Now though, eligibility for a PIP payment is determined via an assessment, and money is subsequently awarded according to a points system.

The PIP assessment is normally a face-to-face consultation to find out the level of support a person needs. A range of assessments are carried out by an independent, trained health professional, with points ranging from 0-12 recorded based on an individual's ability to carry out a range of activities.

Put simply, the more severe an individual’s needs are, the more money they will receive, though they do need to record enough points at the assessment to pass what the DWP calls the 'entitlement threshold’.

PIP is made up of 2 parts. Whether you get one or both parts (and how much money you’ll be awarded) depends on how severely the condition affects you (or the claimant).

If an individual is assessed and passes the 'entitlement threshold' to qualify for PIP, they will receive one of two rates: The Standard Rate or the Enhanced Rate. The Enhanced Rate of PIP is awarded to people who are severely limited in their ability to carry out the tasks in one or both of PIP’s components (the 'Daily Living' part and/or the 'Mobility' part).

The Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP (ERMC PIP) - the benefit that people with a disability who want to lease a Motability vehicle need - is currently worth £62.55 a week.

PIP money is usually paid into a person’s bank account every 4 weeks, is tax free and can be spent by the recipient on anything they like. 

If a person qualifies for the Mobility Component of the PIP, the money is often spent on a car, a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), a scooter or a wheelchair to help them get around.

If you want to lease a brand new car through the Motability Scheme, you need to have been awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP. If you currently receive this benefit you can choose to exchange it for a brand new car or a WAV.

If you’re interested in a new Motability car, search through all the different cars and Advance Payment deals available then get in touch with an accredited Motability specialist at a dealership near you to book a test drive and see if the car you like is right for you and your needs.

Search For A PIP Motability Car

With Motability you get to choose a brand new vehicle every 3 years, complete with insurance for up to three named drivers, full breakdown assistance, regular servicing, maintenance and repairs at a local garage.

If you want to join the Motability Scheme you need to receive the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or one of these qualifying government-funded Mobility allowances:

• The Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• The Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• The War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

Yes. If you feel a mistake has been made there is an appeals process that can be followed to try and overturn the DWP’s decision. To begin with, discuss it directly with the DWP and then make a formal appeal (which the government calls a ‘mandatory reconsideration’) to have your PIP score reviewed.

Appeal The DWP's Decision