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Motability for Autism and mental health conditions

NAS94040

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone is in/ has been in the same situation as me. 
I’m currently awarded full rate pip and high mobility due to not being able to go on any journeys unaccompanied. 

I really want to learn to drive to be able to make some journeys independently and not be fully reliant on carers all the time to get to appointments etc. 

I’m entitled to motability as I get full rate pip but I’m just wondering if when I start driving I would then not be entitled to full rate anymore as I would be making some journeys independently. And for full rate mobility you have to be unable to make any journeys independently without a mobility aid. It seems silly that they would take away the thing that is giving me independence but I’m not sure a car counts as a mobility aid? 
I of course don’t want to be claiming something I shouldn’t be either! But also want to avoid contacting dwp for advice because I’m terrified of being asked for a review early.

any advice would be really appreciated:)

  • in reply to NAS94085

    You are not allowed to use it for yourself if you are not the disabled person, it would not be covered by the insurance. It is covered if you are using it for a purpose for his benefit, like getting him food, but working to pay for said food is outside of that definition. 

    Taking him with you to work would be a technicality which may get you round this, but it could be problematic to explain why he was coming with you to work if you did have an incident which gave rise to a claim. You might have to take him somewhere for him before or after to justify it. Does he enjoy just having a car ride and sitting in the car while you are working (or being with you at work if that's what you mean)? If he does then you'd be fine, if not then much more difficult.

    I had a motability car before PIP as I am physically disabled (but their stupid new definition of how far it is "acceptable" to not be able to walk is offensively short!) so I have experience of their rules, I doubt they have changed them, but I am not an expert and this is not legal advice!

    You could always phone them up for advice.

    It might seem like their rules are there just to make your life harder, but there are people who abuse the system.

  • in reply to Bunny

    Hi about motability. does the person who gets the motability have to be in the car constantly?.my son who is 26 has to have me with him at all times when he's out in public.like say when he needs an haircut or some artist materials.
    however i work part time and need a car to get me to work,am i allowed to use it like that? or does my son have to come to work with me in the car?.

  • Hi

    "If you receive the higher rate mobility component Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you are eligible to join the Motability scheme. This will mean that the higher rate mobility component of your PIP will be paid directly to Motability and you can lease or purchase a vehicle through the scheme in return. "

    This and other useful advice is from: 

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transport/driving/england

    That page relates to England. For versions covering NI, Scotland and Wales, see:

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transport/driving

  • thing is if you have a car and you drive yourself then you have disproven your claim that you cant go anywhere unaccompanied.