Pressure is mounting on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to expand access to the Motability Scheme, which provides adapted vehicles to eligible disabled individuals.
A growing number of MPs are urging the government to include Attendance Allowance (AA)—a benefit received by older individuals who develop disabilities after reaching State Pension age—in the list of qualifying payments.
The move, if approved, could open the door to mobility support for thousands of pensioners currently left out of the scheme.
What Is the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme allows individuals receiving certain disability-related benefits to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their mobility allowance. The vehicle lease includes insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, and tyre replacement.
Current Qualifying Benefits for Motability
| Benefit | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Enhanced Mobility Component | Yes |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Higher Mobility Component | Yes |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment – Mobility Component | Yes |
| War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement | Yes |
| Attendance Allowance | No |
Despite the broad support the scheme offers, Attendance Allowance recipients are excluded, largely due to the lack of a designated mobility component within the benefit.
What Is Attendance Allowance (AA)?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested, non-contributory benefit paid to individuals over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to physical or mental disability.
AA Payment Rates (2025)
| Rate | Weekly Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £73.90 | Needs help during the day or night |
| Higher Rate | £110.40 | Needs help during day and night, or terminally ill |
While the allowance can be used for any personal need, including mobility aids, it does not include a mobility-specific payment, which disqualifies it from being used for the Motability Scheme.
Why Are MPs Calling for a Change?
Labour MP Fred Thomas raised the issue in the House of Commons, asking what the DWP is doing to support pensioners who become disabled later in life and may require adapted vehicles or mobility assistance.
In response, Sir Stephen Timms, Labour MP for East Ham, acknowledged the gap:
“Government mobility support is focused on people who are disabled earlier in life… AA has never included a mobility component and so cannot be used in payment for a leased Motability Scheme vehicle.”
This position has drawn criticism, especially as more pensioners are developing disabilities after State Pension age, with many relying on wheelchairs, stairlifts, and transport that they can’t afford without external support.
Impact of Excluding Attendance Allowance
Excluding AA from the Motability Scheme creates a two-tier system, where:
- Individuals disabled before retirement can access mobility vehicles
- Those disabled after retirement must cover all costs themselves
This discrepancy leaves many elderly people immobile, isolated, and unable to attend medical appointments, grocery shops, or social engagements.
The lack of support disproportionately impacts those over State Pension age, especially women and lower-income individuals, who may have left work earlier or been unpaid carers.
Why DWP Says No Changes Are Coming
According to the DWP:
- The motability component is essential for funding lease agreements
- No changes to qualifying benefits are currently planned
- AA recipients are free to spend their allowance on transport, if they choose
While technically accurate, this overlooks the practical barriers pensioners face when attempting to fund expensive mobility aids or adapted vehicles on £73.90 to £110.40 a week.
Could the Motability Scheme Be Reformed?
Advocates argue for a reassessment of the criteria, suggesting:
- Creating a mobility top-up within Attendance Allowance
- Allowing partial scheme participation for AA recipients
- Providing state-funded adaptations for those excluded from Motability
Given the rising number of elderly individuals living with disabilities, expanding the scheme could reduce NHS transportation costs, lower carer burden, and enhance quality of life for thousands.
As the UK population ages, calls for the DWP to expand the Motability Scheme to include Attendance Allowance recipients are growing louder.
The scheme currently supports only those with mobility-specific components in their benefits—excluding a large population of elderly people who become disabled after retirement.
While the government currently maintains the status quo, pressure from MPs, disability groups, and affected families is mounting. Whether the DWP acts remains to be seen—but the debate has opened the door to a much-needed conversation about mobility equity for all.
FAQs
Why doesn’t Attendance Allowance qualify for the Motability Scheme?
Because Attendance Allowance lacks a mobility component, it doesn’t meet the requirements to fund a vehicle lease under the scheme.
Can I still use my Attendance Allowance for transport?
Yes. Although you can’t lease a vehicle through Motability, you’re free to use the funds for taxis, mobility aids, or personal transportation costs.
Are there any plans to expand the Motability Scheme?
As of now, DWP has no plans to change the eligibility criteria—but political and public pressure continues to grow.