Motability scheme.

stoob_2

My wife has been getting the lowest rate of the care component for a couple of years now, and despite her being virtually unable to walk, was turned down for the mobility component, even after appeals etc.
She recently had a operation to have some of her spine fused (which didnt aid her at all) and on 9th October 2010 had a letter saying she had to re-apply.
So we re-applied on the 11th October 2010. Amazingly she was awarded the lowest rate of care, and the highest rate of mobility! finally!

I have 2 questions.

1. I was under the impression that her benifit entitlement would start from the date DWP received the application, yet the acceptance letter states her award wont start unitl January 2011. Is this right?

2. We were advised that she can exchange her mobilty component for a vehicle on the motability scheme. Id like to get her a small automatic car (she would be able to use an auto, but not a manual) so she can get out of the house. Can we start the motability process now, or would we have to wait until January 2011 to get the ball rolling?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Stu

merlin68

You have to have had the condition for 3 months before they award any benefit. So I presume this is what they are doing.

nannytone_2

if she was already receiving lrc, i assume it was a renewal?
if so, the new award wont start until the old award ends. ( unless you apply with regards to a change of circumstances, and then it would be awarded from the date that the change of circs was requested)

tomitma

You can start looking for a car now, as the car retailers usually takes about 3 months, before it is ready for you to take custody of it.

[Deleted User]

tomitma wrote: »

You can start looking for a car now, as the car retailers usually takes about 3 months, before it is ready for you to take custody of it.

my son got his motability car in 5 days..

L6MCT

stoob wrote: »

. Can we start the motability process now, or would we have to wait until January 2011 to get the ball rolling?

If you have a letter stating your wife will be in receipt of HRM as of January 2011 it might be worth your while going to a Motability garage and asking them if you can start the process right away.

It's nearly 2 years since my husband used his HRM for a Motability car and it took around 3 months from start of application to taking delivery. I'll be starting to look for another car in July/August of next year ready to take delivery next November (truth be told I've already been looking on the website for likely candidates!).

stoob_2

Hi peeps, thanks for the replies. Yeah it was a renewal, and after reapplying she got HRM.

Been to a few dealerships and all said they will start process now and have the car ready for the day her award starts

Went vauxhall in the end, although they said 8-12 weeks were as all the others said 2 weeks