Working and keeping a motability car

mrgross9

Hi, I currently get the high rate disability, which has made me unable to work, I feel now I am ready to get back to work as my situation has progressed. Is there any way of keeping the motability car whilst not claiming any benefits?

I am willing to pay for the Motability car out of my own money as I really need a car as I cannot use public transport due to my disability

Anubis_2

How long have you had it? Or more importantly how long is left on the lease? At the end of our lease, they always give me the option to purchase the car.

I note you state you could not use piblic transport and I know you say you have improved but has your actual mobility improved, or just your care needs?

mrgross9

I have had the car for 1 year and 3 months, my mobility has improved slightly. I just rather get into work now than get into a rut.

I used to enjoy work and not rely on hand outs, so I would like this to continue, with my motability car I will be able to search for jobs further afield

Anubis_2

DLA is not an out of work benefit. You can still work and it does not affect your earnings.

I would ring them and ask, and report your slight improvement.

oldvicar

I am no expert on benefits, but I always thought that one of the reasons for motability was to enable those who could work but who still had significant mobility needs e.g. could not use public transport, to actually take a job.

EDIT just beaten to it by Anubis !

mrgross9

hi, thanks. I would rather just come off disability and work, but still retain the car if possible. Hopefully this is possible, I will ring them and find out more.

Thanks again

mrgross9

Do you have to declare work when you claim dla?

I am looking for a secreterial job, I am unable to work somewhere where I can stand or walk around

Anubis_2

mrgross9 wrote: »

Do you have to declare work when you claim dla?

I am looking for a secreterial job, I am unable to work somewhere where I can stand or walk around

I think so, but work will not affect your DLA in any way providing the job you do does not contradict your disability on form.

That is, if you put you suffer from a bad back, and then tell them you are a builder, they would reassess your claim I would imagine.

If you have mobility needs and are sat down doing light handed work, then it's fine.

mrgross9

OK thanks, I also claim IB which I would like to come off.

I really want to come off all benefits ideally and just keep my car as it does help me getting about.

I take it I will need to come off IB?

Chrissiew

You will be coming off IB as it no longer exists and you will change over to ESA, if you have progressed enough that you feel ready for work and they feel the same way, then they will stop it anyway.

You are entitled to a mobility car if you claim the highest or middle rate of DLA mobility componant, if you come off that you will have to hand the car back as you will no longer be entitled to it, they use the componant to pay for the car on your behalf so if you no longer claim that money they wont be able to pay for it, and of course they would assume that as you no longer wanted to claim the mobility part you would now be mobile enough to use public transport.


I have no idea how it would work if you just wanted to give up the care componant but keep the mobility part, they might question this and ask you in for a medical, or fill out more forms and get reports from your GP, I really dont know how it would work, but give them a ring and they will set you straight.

You say you are willing to pay for the car out of your own money, well couldnt you buy yourself a car if they take yours away?

Hastobe_Katt

You can work and claim DLA - DLA is a paid to help fund the additional expenses that are incurred as a result of your care / mobility needs. It isn't income based / means tested.

You can often buy modified (i.e. ex motability) cars via car auctions as the motability scheme only lease the car for the three year period from new. This might be a cost effective (and more certain!) alternative. It's one we are looking into because the disability claim / appeal system is now taking so long (last time took 10 months!) that there is a substantial risk of losing your vehicle while your claim is assessed. If you are working and need your car as you cannot use public transport then this gives the added stress of potentially losing your job and your DLA!

Edit: I should add that your job should, obviously, be within your reported disability limits. I have severe mobility issues but I have a desk job which I can do, without problems.