Motability Renewal In Person

hostler

Asking on behalf of my parents, who are approaching the end date of their current Motability car scheme and wish to renew/reapply, but have been told by their dealer that they must attend the showroom in person to do this.

The scheme is in my mothers name, whose mobility was severely impaired for many years, but now sadly is permanently bed bound. My father is the other named driver, and who regularly drives the car to collect her prescriptions and medical supplies, plus undertake regular domestic taks like supermarket shopping etc.

Mum receives the higher rate mobility payment PIP.

Their renewal is approaching in November, and their dealer has been in touch to discuss a new car, which in principle they are keen to do - however he is claiming that my mother MUST attend the dealership in person to sign the paperwork.

I've not been involved in their previous contracts, which were taken out when mum was mobile and able to do this, but can this be right? As I understand things, they do qualify in principle for Motability, even if mum doesn't drive anymore, but I can understand the need for checking / assessing, but isn't this done at the PIP level?

Surely the Motability contract paperwork can be done by proxy by Dad, or some kind of remote method? 

Before I tackle the dealer, I wondered if there was any advice from others who've faced similar situations.

louloo22

I'd ring motability directly. Obviously that's ridiculous that she needs to go to the showroom. It's perfectly sensible and in line with the rules what your parents are doing. I'm sure she will be able to do this by signing at home or the dealer can come out! 
I bought my house without every seeing my solicitor so I'm pretty sure she will be ok with this but motability will answer this for you with a quick call.
Then find a better dealer! Right now there is a long wait. My son just ordered the Nissan Juke for November delivery. Vauxhall was 12/18 months. 
The other option is to extend what they have? If they don't mind what the car is...

Bigwheels1111

My Dad was in hospital 18 months ago when the new car order needed signed.
A representative from the dealership went to see him with my Mum and got the paperwork signed.
If no luck Find another dealership. 

hostler

Thanks LouLou22 and Bigwheels1111 - both very helpful and confirm my suspicion that the dealers assertion was a bit suss. I'll give motability a ring in the first instance, and the dealer thereafter.

hostler

Update on this: I spoke to Motability and they advised that we call the DWP who issue the PIP payments and have mum request my dad be made an APPOINTEE, and hence can act on her behalf in clerical matters regarding her scheme. It's very common apparently, and easily done. Hope that helps someone else!

Alice_Holt

hostler said:

Update on this: I spoke to Motability and they advised that we call the DWP who issue the PIP payments and have mum request my dad be made an APPOINTEE, and hence can act on her behalf in clerical matters regarding her scheme. It's very common apparently, and easily done. Hope that helps someone else!

      It rather depends if your mother wants to surrender the management of her own benefits. If she doesn't, I'd ring        Mobility again and hopefully get a call-handler who can answer the specific  question about the signature in              person at the car dealership..

      A DWP appointee is for those claimants who are incapable of managing their benefits. It gives your father the         right to deal with the benefits your mother receives because she cannot manage her own affairs because she is       mentally incapable or severely disabled.   

    It's not that easily done as it entails a visit from a DWP employee to establish that an appointee is needed. 

     Some info here:
      
     https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

    https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/becoming-an-appointee/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0bunBhD9ARIsAAZl0E21XcTCf2zE0IkH84-rBC41SZnsQfGaF_L4x2JnQ5v1kk3KnBj_OE0aAqO-EALw_wcB   

hostler

Thanks Alice - that's really helpful. The Motability person I spoke to was very engaged, and listened to the situation in detail, and the Appointee route was the one they suggested.

Mum's in agreement - she falls into the severely disabled category I'm sure - she';s not walked for almost 2 years now.

I'm actually glad there's an in-person interview - it did sound all too easy to get control over someones benefits if it was an over-the-phone process.

poppy12345

Are you also aware that as her appointee then you'll be responsible for filling out all future forms, reporting changes, receiving her money on her behalf and using it in her best interests. All her PIP letters will be sent to you, in your name on her behalf.