Motability changes for people on PIP and other disability benefits starting April 1
A fresh announcement for hundreds of thousands of disabled people using the Motability Scheme is set for next week. The most recent data from Motability Operations, the organisation running the life-changing Motability Scheme, reveals there are currently 815,000 customers throughout Great Britain, including approximately 80,000 residing in Scotland who usetheAccessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme.
Both programmes are identical and operated by Motability Operations, it's simply a different title depending on which region of the nation you're in. The scheme allows people receiving a disability benefit, with an entitlement for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component, to redirect some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
The new Spring pricing catalogue for leasing arrangements will be released on the Motability Scheme website on April 1. The pricing catalogue is refreshed every three months with the current price list for leasing arrangements going live on January 1 and continuing until the end of March.
- Cars hit by April 2026 £790 ‘tax trap’ 'scrapped' including Saab, Ford, Golf, Vauxhall - list
- BBC doctor gives 'cortisol face or belly' claims warning
It's essential to understand nobody using the Motability Scheme receives a 'free car', reports the Daily Record. The Motability Scheme assists many disabled people and families by allowing them to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
Eligible claimants can use all or some of their enhanced mobility award from a qualifying disability benefit such as Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Scottish Adult DLA, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS) and Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
A comprehensive list of qualifying benefits and the necessary award level can be found on the Motability website. In addition to a new car, customers also receive insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs as part of the deal.
If you're selecting a car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it's crucial to know that while some only use part or all of the mobility award payment, most require an upfront fee which can vary from between £100 and £2,000.
You will receive a new vehicle, and a complete package which includes:
- Insurance
- Servicing and maintenance
- Full RAC breakdown assistance
- Yearly tax
- Three drivers - you can change these whenever you like
- Kwik Fit replacement tyres
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- 60,000 mileage allowance over three years, or 100,000 for WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles
- Many adaptations at no extra cost
Full details on the Motability Scheme can be found on its website.
In the Budget last November, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to tax exemptions for the Motability Scheme that will be implemented this summer. This will mean additional costs and, following the Budget, Motability stated it now needs to reassess how the Scheme operates to help keep it as affordable as possible for customers.
However, the Scheme said it will continue to offer the best possible leasing package for disabled individuals, with a variety of suitable vehicles to cater to their needs. Existing leases will not be impacted by any changes. The changes are set to commence on 1 July, 2026.
For full details about the Motability Scheme which covers most of the United Kingdom visit its website. For further information about Adult Disability Payment and leasing an accessible vehicle in Scotland, visit the mygov.scot website.