The Motability scheme has helped thousands of people in the UK, who are suffering from disabilities, to remain mobile. The scheme has been going since 1977 and started with just 220 young applicants. Over the years, it has grown and grown, today people from all walks of life and of all age groups are being helped via the scheme.
Why The Motability Scheme Was Set Up
Initially, the scheme was set up to help young disabled people to get back into work. One of the main barriers that the disabled needed to overcome was the ability to get to and from the workplace. Whilst many could use public transport, the timing or frequency of that transport often meant that they could not take on jobs simply because they could not arrive on time. Clearly, the answer was for them to have their own transport.
However, the cost of insurance and adaptations often meant that this was not practical for the disabled. In addition, it was hard for the disabled to break the vicious circle. They needed money to purchase a vehicle, but to get that money they needed the job. Without a job they could not get the money to purchase the vehicle that they needed to get the job. The Motability scheme broke that vicious circle. It gave them access to finance to help them to buy the vehicle they needed, sorted out insurance and gave them a sum of money to help towards the cost of adaptations.
In addition, many of the car manufacturers and dealers involved in the scheme include special deals on servicing and car breakdown policies. This makes it viable for somebody on a relatively low income to be able to afford to buy and run a vehicle.
Who Qualifies for the Motability Scheme?
To qualify for the Motability scheme you have to be receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. Even those disabled people who cannot drive themselves, for example, the very young or the blind can still participate in the scheme. This is because they care caregiver or family member can use the funds to buy a car to use to help disabled person to get around.
To find out more about the Motability scheme visit the William A Lewis website.
