DLA higher rate mobility

Dear members
I would be grateful for any advice/insights on this. In January the agreement for my car through the mobility scheme ends. I cannot drive, but have a nominated driver. I have found having the car of great benefit but during this year my nominated driver has had very poor health and the car has not been used to any great extent. I am aware that the Government are wanting to introduce the PIP. How would this affect the HRMA, would I no longer be able to opt to have a car? Would it be more advantageous to get a new car in January with the pending changes? Any advice on this would be greatly welcomed.

lulusmf
Smith wrote:

Dear members
I would be grateful for any advice/insights on this. In January the agreement for my car through the mobility scheme ends. I cannot drive, but have a nominated driver. I have found having the car of great benefit but during this year my nominated driver has had very poor health and the car has not been used to any great extent. I am aware that the Government are wanting to introduce the PIP. How would this affect the HRMA, would I no longer be able to opt to have a car? Would it be more advantageous to get a new car in January with the pending changes? Any advice on this would be greatly welcomed.

Whilst we cannot answer specific queries, the government have indicated that when PIP is launched, there will still be the facility to use Motability from PIP payments.

However, what we do not know fully yet is enough about PIP and how it will pan out in practice with regards to awards and levels etc. We would only really find that out once it is up and running.

The only thing we have heard recently thanks to the persistence and tenacity of Jim (jima1) one of our mods in making enquiries is that, as now with DLA mobility component, if PIP mobility is awarded under retirement age, it will be still possible to claim it past retirement age (provided one still qualifies). Thus if one is a Motability customer for example they won't lose their Motability car in retirement (although this may not apply to you as we don't know your age).

However, overall we cannot safely advise you one way or the other on whether to use the scheme or not. It is a decision you will have to make.

What I would say though is, you mentioned you have a nominated driver but due to his/her poor health you have not got much use out of the car. Are you aware that with Motability you may appoint a second driver as well (if you know of anyone who can act as a second driver)?. That may help you get more use out of the vehicle.

Pete

lulusmf
Smith wrote:

Dear members
I would be grateful for any advice/insights on this. In January the agreement for my car through the mobility scheme ends. I cannot drive, but have a nominated driver. I have found having the car of great benefit but during this year my nominated driver has had very poor health and the car has not been used to any great extent. I am aware that the Government are wanting to introduce the PIP. How would this affect the HRMA, would I no longer be able to opt to have a car? Would it be more advantageous to get a new car in January with the pending changes? Any advice on this would be greatly welcomed.

In addition to Pete's always good advice, are you aware that if your current vehicle has no more than 15,000 miles on the clock, you can have a further two years lease on your current vehicle and save £5.00 per week, plus there's no additional advance payment to make, if your vehicle had an AP at the start of your lease.

As Pete has stated, if you don't drive, you can nominate two drivers to drive your Motability car. Most areas have a voluntary drivers scheme who take people to hospital
in the drivers own car, although in my area, I know of 3 people who have managed to get a driver to drive their Motability car on a regular basis.

Finally, as you don't mention what your disability is, would it not be possible for you learn to drive, if so Motability would provide assistance with the cost of driving lessons. If this is a possibility, then I'd recommend a car with an automatic gearbox,
as modern ones are so easy to drive, and there are many automatic vehicles available through Motabily with nil advance payments.

I hope you can get something sorted out soon.

Best wishes.

Pat

pete17971 wrote:

lulusmf
Smith wrote:

Dear members
I would be grateful for any advice/insights on this. In January the agreement for my car through the mobility scheme ends. I cannot drive, but have a nominated driver. I have found having the car of great benefit but during this year my nominated driver has had very poor health and the car has not been used to any great extent. I am aware that the Government are wanting to introduce the PIP. How would this affect the HRMA, would I no longer be able to opt to have a car? Would it be more advantageous to get a new car in January with the pending changes? Any advice on this would be greatly welcomed.

The only thing we have heard recently thanks to the persistence and tenacity of Jim (jima1) one of our mods in making enquiries is that, as now with DLA mobility component, if PIP mobility is awarded under retirement age, it will be still possible to claim it past retirement age (provided one still qualifies). Thus if one is a Motability customer for example they won't lose their Motability car in retirement (although this may not apply to you as we don't know your age).

I don't wish to put a dampener on things, but I wouldn't believe a thing that this government (and indeed previous governments) says, as they are prone to renegue on policy statements and change their mind as much as most people would change their clothes. It has already happened with ESA.

It is always wise to wait until the final draft legislation is produced and passed into law, as only then can anyone be absolutely certain what the PIP regulations will actually entail.

Dear B & W friends
Thanks so much for your helpful advice and comments. I shall be 57 in a few weeks so my "retirement" is now some years away! I have Ehlers_danlos syndrome, so as a result of this I have very severe osteoarthritis which affects every joint, finger and toe. My hands are particularly affected and I have rigid splints which cover my hands. Due to eyesight issues I would not now be able to drive. As you suggest having a second driver is a really useful idea, so I shall have to canvass friends and family to find someone willing to do this for me. My thanks again to all concerned, keep up the good work!