Motability: leasing a car on your disability benefit in 2026

Motability is a scheme that lets disabled people exchange part of their mobility benefit for a long-term lease of transport: a car, a scooter or a powered wheelchair. The benefit is paid straight to the provider, and you get a vehicle with servicing, insurance and repairs in one package.

Which benefits qualify for Motability?

You can exchange one of these: the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA); the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment; War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement; Armed Forces Independence Payment; the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP); or the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). A standard or lower mobility rate does not qualify for a Motability lease.

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What is in the package?

A lease usually covers insurance, servicing, tyres and repairs; you pay for fuel or charging. The range includes electric cars. At the end of the term you return the vehicle and can take a new one. Many models are available at no extra cost — the benefit covers the whole lease — while dearer ones need an advance payment.

What about vehicle tax?

Separate from Motability, there is a vehicle tax break. A full exemption on one vehicle is given to those on: the higher rate mobility component of DLA, the enhanced mobility rate of PIP or ADP, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, Armed Forces Independence Payment and certain Scottish payments. A 50% reduction goes to those on the standard mobility rate of PIP or ADP. The lower mobility rate of DLA does not qualify.

How do you set it up?

First you must be getting a qualifying mobility benefit. Then choose a vehicle from a dealer that works with Motability and take out the lease — usually three years. The tax exemption or reduction is arranged separately through the DVLA, using your benefit award letter as proof.

What else to know

Motability is tied directly to your PIP or DLA assessment: if your mobility rate is reduced at a review, the lease has to end. So keep up with reassessments and hold on to your award letters. You can also apply separately for a Blue Badge parking permit — it is given for severe walking difficulty and is not strictly tied to these benefits.