Financial help

Motability may be able to offer financial help towards the cost of a suitable car, adaptations, driving lessons or a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. During 2007/08, we awarded grants totalling over £18 million to help over 5,000 customers with their mobility needs.

All grants must be arranged before putting in the application for your vehicle.

Charitable Grants

Funding for charitable grants comes from our fundraising activities and the Motability Tenth Anniversary Trust, to provide help towards:

• Advance Payments: on standard production cars.
• Adaptations: such as hand controls, swivel seats, wheelchair hoists and other adaptations.
• Driving Lessons: if aged between 16 and 24, and in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component, you may be eligible for help towards the cost of driving lessons.

Government Grants

Motability also administers funds on behalf of the Government for people who need a heavily adapted car, often a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.

• The Specialised Vehicles Fund: for people who need a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, either as a driver or passenger.
• War Pensioners: if you receive the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement and have a Motability car, you may be eligible for a grant from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, based on medical records. If you need a vehicle or adaptations costing more than the standard grants available, and are unable to meet the cost yourself, you can apply to Motability for help but should approach relevant service charities for help first.
• Ex-Invalid Vehicle Service Holders: Motability also deals with applications from customers who previously drove a three-wheeled, blue "trike", or other Government vehicle.

To find out more, please contact our Customer Services team on 0845 456 4566.