new award query

itsasecret

I'm a regular poster on the boards but as I've just got a DLA award I'd rather not all my friends/family know, hence the new account name.

I have the higher rate mobility award and would consider exchanging it for a motability car, but my old banger goes well and doesn't cost much, if anything, in repairs (serviced regularly) so would be sorry to let it go. Can someone tell me please if a] I can take up the offer of a new car in the future, and b] is there an upper age limit after which I wouldn't be able to do so?
Tia

CouponWoman

I waited till my old banger broke down completely before applying for a Motability car.

I had had my mobility allowance for about 5 years when I decided to apply for the Motability scheme, am glad I did as my old car was forever breaking down towards the end. My motability car is great, no repairs to pay for, free yearly service so it works for me.

Never heard of an age limit and I know people in their 60's who drive one so I do't think there is one. You could check the Motability website to check.

Good luck

Trazy

My parents are in their 70s and have a motability car x

itsasecret

Thank you CouponWoman and Trazy, that's a great help. I'm in my 60's now and my car has quite a lot of life in it yet, so it's a race to see who's going to conk out first :rotfl:

Of course I could have waited until the offices were open to phone them but impatience is a terrible thing! And I knew I'd get the answer here on the boards.

Thanks again, and Happy New Year

Robbie64

CouponWoman wrote: »

I waited till my old banger broke down completely before applying for a Motability car.

I had had my mobility allowance for about 5 years when I decided to apply for the Motability scheme, am glad I did as my old car was forever breaking down towards the end. My motability car is great, no repairs to pay for, free yearly service so it works for me.

Never heard of an age limit and I know people in their 60's who drive one so I do't think there is one. You could check the Motability website to check.

Good luck

There is an age limit to the extent that you have to qualify for DLA (Higher rate mobility) and this can only be claimed if aged under 65. Once entitled to HRM this (and therefore DLA) can then continue beyond age 65 with no upper age limit.

If a person makes his or her first claim after reaching 65 then the only benefit that can be claimed is Attendance Allowance and this has no mobility component.

Indie_Kid

If you wait until your current car dies, you could save your HRM for advanced payment if you want a more expensive car / adapted car.

petrolhead.

itsasecret wrote: »

I'm a regular poster on the boards but as I've just got a DLA award I'd rather not all my friends/family know, hence the new account name.

I have the higher rate mobility award and would consider exchanging it for a motability car, but my old banger goes well and doesn't cost much, if anything, in repairs (serviced regularly) so would be sorry to let it go. Can someone tell me please if a] I can take up the offer of a new car in the future, and b] is there an upper age limit after which I wouldn't be able to do so?
Tia

I would point out that you can be re-tested at any time in order to ensure that you continue to meet the conditions attached to HRM. You may or may not pass in which case should you go to appeal and lose, the car will have to be handed back. Some people think that the award once given is for life - not anymore it isn't. It used to be.
Also, have you been reading up on the new PIP benefit which is to come into play in or around 2012/13 as this will replace DLA and the conditions to qualify are certainly going to be much tougher.

I only mention this as you are in your 60's now, and if you do lose at appeal after 65, you will NOT be able to make another claim for Mobility.

Maybe your 'old banger' be best put into 'mothballs' as the future is now more uncertain than it ever has been.

Getting to your age is very tricky when dealing with the likes of DLA. Those that have had HRM for a few years now will be in a much stronger position than you as they will have already been tested multiple times over the years.

itsasecret

petrolhead. wrote: »

I would point out that you can be re-tested at any time in order to ensure that you continue to meet the conditions attached to HRM. You may or may not pass in which case should you go to appeal and lose, the car will have to be handed back. Some people think that the award once given is for life - not anymore it isn't. It used to be.
Also, have you been reading up on the new PIP benefit which is to come into play in or around 2012/13 as this will replace DLA and the conditions to qualify are certainly going to be much tougher.

I only mention this as you are in your 60's now, and if you do lose at appeal after 65, you will NOT be able to make another claim for Mobility.

Maybe your 'old banger' be best put into 'mothballs' as the future is now more uncertain than it ever has been.

Getting to your age is very tricky when dealing with the likes of DLA. Those that have had HRM for a few years now will be in a much stronger position than you as they will have already been tested multiple times over the years.

Thank you petrolhead, getting to my age can be very tricky period!

I'd not heard of PiP, and had barely looked into DLA, not expecting my application to be successful - never had anyone give me anything before.

I have read a little about it now and have no objection to more regular investigation. If I pass I pass, if not, I assume the cash would no doubt be going to someone more needy than me. I have a chronic lung disease but I've a lot of blessings to count.

I'm intending to keep my car as it's not costing me as much as the HRM equivalent but what you're saying makes sense. Will have to do some thinking, and look further into PiP before making a final decision.

sammyjammy

You don't want your friends and family to know but will they not think its a bit strange if a brand new car turns up outside your house? I'm sure they would be pleased for you, its nothing to be ashamed of.

itsasecret

sammyjammy wrote: »

You don't want your friends and family to know but will they not think its a bit strange if a brand new car turns up outside your house? I'm sure they would be pleased for you, its nothing to be ashamed of.

It wouldn't appear strange as those that matter know I'm saving to buy a new (my last?) car in a couple of years or so.

I'm not ashamed at all, just that there are some who would be more than pleased, or interested, if you follow...hence my coming on the boards with a pseudonym.

petrolhead.

itsasecret wrote: »

Thank you petrolhead, getting to my age can be very tricky period!

I'd not heard of PiP, and had barely looked into DLA, not expecting my application to be successful - never had anyone give me anything before.

I have read a little about it now and have no objection to more regular investigation. If I pass I pass, if not, I assume the cash would no doubt be going to someone more needy than me. I have a chronic lung disease but I've a lot of blessings to count.

I'm intending to keep my car as it's not costing me as much as the HRM equivalent but what you're saying makes sense. Will have to do some thinking, and look further into PiP before making a final decision.

I'm pleased that you are taking the time to think matters through.
I do like your attitude as regards others that may be in a worse position like you. In fact I applaud your approach to the whole matter.

Not many are like us in this day and age, it seems to be the case now that 'get what you can, anyway you can and sod the rest of the world' is the way things have gone.
I am surprised and shocked when people try to turn an illness into a catastrophic disability.

So many see DLA as another 'top up' to their income, because the cost of living has increased.

Yes and before anybody jumps on me - there are also many that do deserve every penny that they get - and for them, I think to myself, 'there by the grace of God go I'