Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that claimants of benefits remain eligible for the Motability scheme as a result of the change from disability living allowance to personal independence payment.
When PIP was first introduced, the Government worked with Motability to design an extensive £175 million Transitional Support package to support Motability customers who have not been awarded the enhanced mobility component on reassessment from DLA to PIP. This is paid for by the Motability charity at no cost to the taxpayer.
Claimants who joined the Motability Scheme before 1 January 2014 can keep their vehicle for up to 3 months after finding out their claim is unsuccessful and are offered a one-off payment of between £2,000 and £1,000. If a claim is pending appeal then the claimant is offered a 26- week lease extension and a smaller one-off payment. In addition, claimants have the option to buy their old Scheme vehicle, and can obtain help to adapt any new, non-Scheme vehicle.