DWP Announces Full List of Disability Benefit Claimants Who Qualify for the Motability Scheme

DWP Motability Scheme eligibility is now one of the most searched benefit topics in the United Kingdom. With recent government updates and confirmed tax changes coming in 2026, many disabled people and families are checking whether they meet DWP Motability Scheme eligibility and what it really means for their mobility support. If you rely on a mobility allowance, this information directly affects your daily life.

In this guide, you will get a clear breakdown of who qualifies, what benefits count, how the leasing process works, and what is included in the package. The aim is to give you accurate and updated information for 2026, using simple language and practical explanations. Whether you are already on the scheme or thinking of applying, this article will help you understand your options and avoid common mistakes.

DWP Motability Scheme eligibility

Understanding DWP Motability Scheme eligibility is not just about knowing which benefit you receive. It is about knowing the exact rate, the time left on your award, and how the scheme works in practice. Thousands of people assume they qualify, only to discover they receive the lower mobility rate, which does not count. To meet DWP Motability Scheme eligibility, you must receive the higher or enhanced mobility component of a qualifying disability benefit and have at least 12 months remaining on your award. The scheme allows you to exchange your mobility payment for a leased vehicle, including cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, scooters, or powered wheelchairs. It is not a free vehicle scheme. Your allowance covers the lease cost, and some vehicles require an upfront payment.

Overview of the Motability Scheme

Key Point	Details
Scheme Purpose	Helps disabled people lease vehicles using mobility benefits
Who Runs It	Motability Operations Ltd
Qualifying Requirement	Higher or enhanced mobility component
Minimum Award Time Left	At least 12 months
Vehicle Types	Cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters, powered wheelchairs
Lease Length	3 years for cars, 5 years for WAVs
Insurance Included	Yes
Maintenance Included	Yes
Advanced Payment	Often required depending on vehicle
2026 Tax Changes	Confirmed but current leases unaffected

Changes Announced in the Autumn Budget

During the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that tax exemptions linked to the Motability Scheme will change from July 1, 2026. These changes relate to vehicle taxation rules. Importantly, existing customers will not lose their current lease agreements.

As of 2026, more than 815,000 people across the United Kingdom use the scheme, including around 80,000 in Scotland. The government has confirmed that the scheme will continue to operate and provide accessible vehicles despite the tax adjustments. If you already meet DWP Motability Scheme eligibility, your current agreement remains protected.

Eligibility for the Motability Scheme or Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme

Meeting DWP Motability Scheme eligibility depends entirely on receiving one of the approved mobility benefits at the correct rate.

You must receive one of the following:

• Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment
  
• Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment
  
• Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance
  
• Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
  
• Higher rate mobility component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
  
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
  
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
  

You cannot qualify if you receive the standard or lower mobility rate. Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and Employment and Support Allowance do not count toward DWP Motability Scheme eligibility.

How the new scheme works

If you qualify, your mobility allowance is paid directly to Motability Operations Ltd to cover your lease. You can choose a vehicle from approved dealerships across the country.

Car leases usually last three years. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles often come with five year agreements. When the lease ends, you return the vehicle and can apply for a new one if you still qualify.

The scheme is structured to remove the stress of ownership. You do not need to worry about resale value or large repair bills. That is one of the main reasons many people look into DWP Motability Scheme eligibility when mobility becomes difficult.

What else is included in the lease?

The lease package is comprehensive. It includes:

• Insurance for up to three named drivers
  
• Servicing and routine maintenance
  
• Full breakdown cover from RAC
  
• Annual vehicle tax
  
• Tyre replacement through Kwik Fit
  
• Windscreen repair or replacement
  
• 60,000 mileage allowance over three years
  
• 100,000 mileage allowance for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
  
• Many vehicle adaptations at no extra cost
  

This bundled support makes the scheme practical and predictable for families managing disability related expenses.

Advanced payments and real costs

One of the biggest misunderstandings about DWP Motability Scheme eligibility is the idea of receiving a free car. The scheme allows you to exchange your mobility payment for a lease. Many vehicles require an advanced payment.

Advanced payments typically range between £100 and £2,000 depending on the model. Some higher specification vehicles may cost more. It is important to compare models carefully and speak with dealership advisors before making a decision.

Applying to lease a vehicle for yourself

You can apply directly if:

• You receive the higher or enhanced mobility component
  
• You are aged 16 or over
  
• You can manage your own financial decisions
  

When visiting a dealership, you must show your certificate of entitlement. This document confirms your DWP Motability Scheme eligibility and is usually included in your benefit award letter.

Dealership staff guide you through vehicle selection and paperwork. Once approved, your payments begin automatically through your mobility benefit.

Applying to lease a vehicle on someone’s behalf

Parents, guardians, or official appointees can apply for a vehicle on behalf of a disabled child or adult. The vehicle must be used for the benefit of the person receiving the mobility award.

For children receiving the higher mobility component of Child Disability Payment, a parent can manage the lease. Appointees can also apply for adults who cannot manage their own affairs.

This flexibility ensures that people who meet DWP Motability Scheme eligibility are not excluded simply because they need help managing paperwork.

Important things to remember

Here are the key rules to keep in mind:

• You must have at least 12 months left on your mobility award
  
• Only higher or enhanced mobility rates qualify
  
• Standard mobility rates do not qualify
  
• Attendance Allowance does not qualify
  
• Existing leases will not change due to 2026 tax updates
  

Checking your award letter carefully is the first step in confirming DWP Motability Scheme eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions