Can I Get a Mobility Car on Standard Rate PIP?

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Can I Get a Mobility Car on Standard Rate PIP?

You cannot get a Motability car on the standard rate of the Mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). To qualify for a car through the Motability Scheme, you must be receiving the enhanced rate of the Mobility component.

Many people assume that any PIP award gives access to a mobility car, but it’s only the enhanced mobility award that allows you to exchange part (or all) of your benefit to lease a vehicle.


What Is the Motability Scheme?

The Motability Scheme allows eligible individuals to lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their PIP mobility payment. It’s a long-running UK initiative designed to help people with disabilities maintain their independence through access to transport.

When you lease through the scheme, the payments come directly from your benefit — you don’t have to handle the money yourself.


Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for a Motability vehicle, you must be receiving one of the following:

  • Enhanced rate Mobility component of PIP

  • Higher rate Mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

If you’re only receiving standard rate mobility, or you only get the daily living component, you’re not eligible for the Motability Scheme.


What’s the Difference Between Standard and Enhanced Rate Mobility?

The enhanced rate is awarded to individuals who have significant difficulty moving around or need help planning and following journeys. The criteria are strict and are based on things like:

  • How far you can walk unaided

  • Whether you need support or equipment to move

  • Whether anxiety, sensory issues, or cognitive conditions affect your ability to make journeys safely

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for the enhanced rate, you can request a reassessment or check your decision letter from the DWP.


What If I’m Not Eligible for a Motability Car?

If you receive the standard rate of PIP, you still have some options:

  • Blue Badge Scheme – You may still qualify for a Blue Badge for parking concessions

  • Disabled Person’s Railcard – Offers 1/3 off rail fares for you and a companion

  • Local transport support – Some councils offer mobility help or travel passes for those on standard rate

  • Grants or charities – Organisations like Turn2us, Family Fund, or The Mobility Trust may help fund accessible transport



Can I Appeal a PIP Decision to Get Enhanced Rate?

Yes, if you believe you qualify for enhanced mobility but only received standard rate, you can:

  1. Request a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the decision

  2. If unsuccessful, you can then appeal to a tribunal

Make sure to provide as much medical evidence as possible to support your claim.


Final Thought

If you're receiving standard rate mobility PIP, you won’t qualify for a Motability car — only those on the enhanced rate are eligible. However, there are still other forms of help available, and if you believe your award should be higher, it’s worth reviewing or appealing your claim.