Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claimants enrolled in the Motability Scheme are receiving letters from Motability Operations regarding changes to the scheme under the Labour government’s recent reforms.
With Andy Burnham now Prime Minister, he is overseeing these updates to support disabled motorists, which came into effect in early July.
Sorcha Eastwood, Alliance MP for Lagan Valley, recently raised a question in the House of Commons, asking Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Sir Stephen Timms whether the eligibility criteria for the Motability mileage allowance extension might be broadened.
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Timms, retaining his cabinet role in Burnham’s reshuffle, explained: “While the Department works closely with Motability and manages the core disability benefits linked to the scheme, Motability Foundation is an independent charitable organization responsible for the scheme’s terms and administration, alongside Motability Operations.”
The Motability Scheme primarily benefits disabled people receiving PIP, DLA, and other qualifying benefits. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by those living in rural areas — where traveling further to access essential services is common — the scheme is introducing an additional 3,000 miles per year on vehicle leases for certain eligible customers.
Motability Operations uses the national Government’s rural isolation data to identify eligible postcodes, focusing on travel times to crucial services such as grocery shopping, healthcare, and education. Those living in the most isolated and island communities will receive direct communication via letter or email explaining the additional mileage allowance.
Other qualifying benefits include Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance’s higher mobility rate, Armed Forces Independence Payment, and the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
Motability Operations emphasizes that the increased mileage provision aims to prevent rural claimants from being disadvantaged due to their location, while maintaining allowances appropriate to the majority of scheme users.
Customers are asked not to inquire about their eligibility, as Motability will notify individuals directly if they qualify for the mileage extension.