Advance Payment Grant - Motability

minimadtrix

Hi,

Does anybody know the criteria for getting an advance payment for a Motability car please? This is not for adaptations, it is purely for the advance payment. I know it's means tested, but do they take into account the household's income or just the disabled person? If it is on the household, what is the threshold? Many thanks

pmlindyloo

I am sorry that I have no experience of this myself.

From my reading the Motability Scheme has a charitable fund which can be used to help people who require help with adaptions and the Advance Payment.

They do not seem to stipulate any criteria but seem to base their decision to help on individual cases.

I am guessing that as well as having to show financial difficulties you would have to show that you cannot use a car that does not require an Advance Payment.

My only suggestion is to telephone them and see what 'evidence' they need.

http://www.motability.co.uk/understanding-the-scheme/financial-help/

CTcelt1988

If you go for a grant for an advance payment, then they wlll want you to go for the cheaper vehicle which suits your needs. For example, if you wanted a car that had a advance payment of £1,200, but there was a similar spec car that cost £500 advance payment, then they would want you to go for the cheaper one.

minimadtrix

Unfortunately, it's not that simple CTcelt. Hubby needs a higher vehicle, such as a 4x4/people carrier so that he is stepping into a car rather than bending down to get into the seat. (He currently has a Mondeo through Motability, but is struggling to get into it now) These therefore need bigger advance payments and Motability say that a grant could be offered, but is means tested, hence my question does anyone know what the criteria/threshold is for help with such a grant

craftygran

My husband can't bend and we have a Scenic. The advance payment was £500

minimadtrix

I appreciate the answers on cheaper Advance Payment vehicles, however, all I want is an answer to the question I posted.

tomtom256

minimadtrix wrote: »

I appreciate the answers on cheaper Advance Payment vehicles, however, all I want is an answer to the question I posted.

Ring motability then as they are probably the only ones that can answer correctly.

minimadtrix

tomtom256 wrote: »

Ring motability then as they are probably the only ones that can answer correctly.

And there used to be a time when people were helpful on here that are able to give the information people asked. So thanks for the accurate advice. However, if I could get through to the Grants Team this weekend, I would have.

tomtom256

minimadtrix wrote: »

And there used to be a time when people were helpful on here that are able to give the information people asked. So thanks for the accurate advice. However, if I could get through to the Grants Team this weekend, I would have.

Evidently people don't have the information or else it would have been given, hence my post regarding calling motability direct.

I won't bother in future.

Parva

There are many 'free' Motability cars and then there are upgrades where you get the models with all the toys all the way to the MPV's with wheelchair winch and everything. The rates are more than reasonable and you should be expected to pay a large premium for a big MPV given the extra comfort and carrying abilities it has. Whilst I realise that a bigger vehicle with direct wheelchair access may be necessary for some it should not mean that others have to settle for say a Vauxhall Corsa whilst others get a nice 7 seater MPV. I've not checked the pricelist lately but there's likely either something like a basic Renault Kangoo car (converted van sorta thing) for little or no advance or maybe pre-owned MPV's?

As regards a grant towards the premium, I very much doubt it.

Richie-from-the-Boro

minimadtrix wrote: »

I appreciate the answers on cheaper Advance Payment vehicles, however, all I want is an answer to the question I posted.

- do they take into account the household's income
- or just the disabled person? If it is on the household, what is the threshold?

- no idea, ring and ask
- the first hurdle is, are you 'deserving of', and as there are no adaptations or wheel-on needs.............
- VWW's such as Kangoo & Dobolo are as Parva states cheap at about £300AP
- the Dobolo has a 'flat & high(ish) floor', meaning no door wells - as it was for their now extinct Multipla model