What age do you stop getting Motability? The key eligibility facts

Over 800,000 people currently lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme, which helps those with disabilities exchange their mobility allowance for a car. You do not stop getting Motability because of your age, but rather when you stop receiving a qualifying disability benefit. This means that for those already on the scheme, there is no upper age limit, a common point of confusion.

Quick Summary

The Motability Scheme has no upper age limit for existing members receiving a qualifying mobility allowance. Your eligibility is tied to your benefit status, not your date of birth. Confusion arises because the application rules for disability benefits change at State Pension age. It is crucial to be on the correct allowance to maintain access to the scheme.

Key Points

• No upper age limit for existing members: If you are already on the Motability Scheme and receive a qualifying allowance, you can continue for life, regardless of your age.

• Eligibility depends on your benefit: Continued access to the scheme is determined by your receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance, such as PIP or DLA, not your age.

• State Pension age affects new claims: A key rule is that you cannot apply for a mobility benefit like PIP or DLA for the first time after reaching State Pension age.

• Attendance Allowance is not accepted: Those applying for a disability benefit for the first time over State Pension age must apply for Attendance Allowance, which cannot be used for the Motability Scheme.

• Lease renewals are standard: The process for renewing your lease remains the same in later life, as long as you still receive the necessary allowance.

• Eligibility loss results in early lease termination: If your mobility allowance is stopped or lowered mid-lease, you will need to return the vehicle.

Your Motability eligibility is tied to your benefits, not your age

There is no upper age limit for continuing to lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme for existing members. Eligibility is based on receiving a qualifying mobility allowance. Those already on the scheme can renew their lease as long as they receive a qualifying benefit. If you receive PIP when you reach State Pension age, your benefit may become an 'indefinite award', securing your Motability access.

The crucial difference: First-time applicants

The age-related confusion about Motability arises from the rules for first-time applicants for disability benefits, not existing claimants. If you already receive a qualifying allowance, you can continue to use it for Motability regardless of age. However, if you are applying for a disability benefit for the first time after reaching State Pension age, you must apply for Attendance Allowance instead of PIP. Attendance Allowance is for care needs and cannot be used for the Motability Scheme. This means joining the scheme for the first time after State Pension age is very difficult.

Qualifying mobility benefits for Motability

The Motability Scheme accepts specific mobility allowances, requiring the correct rate to be eligible.

How does the renewal process work?

Motability will contact you before your lease ends to discuss renewing. The process requires you to still meet the eligibility criteria.

1. Notification: You receive a letter from Motability before your lease ends.
2. Order a new vehicle: Choose a vehicle at a Motability dealer.
3. Confirm eligibility: The dealer checks you still receive a qualifying allowance with at least 12 months left.
4. Handover: Exchange your old vehicle for the new one.

Options if you lose your eligibility

Losing your mobility allowance or having it downgraded during your lease may end your Motability contract early, requiring you to return the vehicle. Motability assists with early termination, and you may receive a partial refund of any advance payment. If you lose eligibility, you can use remaining allowance or savings for alternative transport, and the Motability Foundation may offer grants.

Comparison of Motability Scheme eligibility and age

Feature	Motability for existing claimants	Motability for new claimants
Age Limit	No upper age limit.	Upper age limit for first-time benefit applications.
Qualifying Benefits	Must already be receiving a qualifying allowance (e.g., ERMC PIP, HRMC DLA, WPMS, AFIP).	Must be eligible for and receiving a qualifying allowance. Can't apply for PIP/DLA over State Pension age.
Post-Pension Age	Can continue to access the scheme if already receiving qualifying benefit. PIP may convert to an 'indefinite award'.	Not eligible for Motability if applying for a mobility benefit for the first time after State Pension age.
Alternative for Over 65s	N/A	Must claim Attendance Allowance, which is not accepted by the Motability Scheme.

The conclusion on age and Motability

You do not stop getting Motability at a specific age like 65, but rather if you lose your eligibility for a qualifying benefit. The key age is State Pension age, after which you cannot apply for certain benefits like PIP for the first time. If you already receive a qualifying mobility allowance when you reach State Pension age, you can remain on the scheme. Eligibility is tied to your benefit status, not a maximum age. Understanding the difference between existing and first-time claimants is crucial for maintaining access. For detailed and up-to-date information, consult the official Motability Scheme website {Link: Motability Scheme https://www.ransomewavs.co.uk/can-you-get-a-mobility-car-over-65/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for the Motability Scheme?

There is no upper age limit for staying on the Motability Scheme. Your eligibility depends on receiving a qualifying mobility allowance, not your age. However, there is an effective age limit for first-time applicants, as you cannot apply for key qualifying benefits like PIP once you reach State Pension age.

Can I get a Motability car if I'm over 65?

Yes, you can get a Motability car if you are over 65, provided you already receive a qualifying mobility allowance, such as the enhanced rate of PIP or the higher rate of DLA. If you have reached State Pension age and are applying for a benefit for the first time, you cannot use Attendance Allowance to join the scheme.

What happens to my Motability car when I reach State Pension age?

If you are already on the scheme and receiving a qualifying mobility allowance like PIP when you reach State Pension age, you can continue to use your benefit for your Motability car. Your benefit may even be converted to an indefinite award, securing your place on the scheme.

Can Attendance Allowance be used for a Motability vehicle?

No, Attendance Allowance cannot be used to lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme. This benefit is for those over State Pension age who need help with care, not for mobility allowance purposes.

What benefits qualify for the Motability Scheme?

The scheme accepts specific qualifying benefits.

What happens if I lose my mobility allowance during my lease?

If you lose your mobility allowance or it is downgraded during your lease, you will no longer be eligible for the scheme and will need to return your Motability vehicle early. You may need to pay an early termination fee, and any advance payment refund will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

How long does a Motability lease typically last?

A standard Motability lease for a car is three years. For Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), the lease term is generally five years. Towards the end of the lease, you will be notified and can choose a new vehicle or extend your current agreement.