Funding and grants available for mobility scooters
For individuals with disabilities, mobility scooters aren’t just important; they’re a lifeline to on-the-go independence.
However, for most, the financial challenges involved in acquiring a mobility scooter can make it difficult to obtain the right equipment.
From the higher cost of living to the up-front price of the scooter, it can add up to being quite expensive to maintain your independence. For many, this cost can be out of financial reach – which is why the various disability grants for adults are available to help alleviate these costs.
In this article, we’ll share all of the available government grants, schemes, charities, and alternative ways for funding your mobility scooter currently available.
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What are disability grants?
Disability grants are designed to help disabled people with their everyday lives, from financially supporting their independence to revitalising their lifestyle with the right mobility equipment, like a mobility scooter.
These mobility grants for disabled individuals make a huge difference to their quality of life and help support them in their day-to-day activities and routines.
Grants for mobility scooters: what am I entitled to?
Different mobility scooter grants often have different eligibility criteria. However, specific traits and conditions might make someone eligible for most, such as having a permanent disability and receiving disability benefits (such as PIP).
What are mobility scooter government grants?
While mobility scooters are not available on the NHS, help can be found elsewhere in the form of government grants.
Currently, in the UK, different types of government grants are available specifically for mobility scooters. Some of the key government programmes that offer these beneficial grants are the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and the Access-To-Work Scheme.
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) – Government Grant
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government-funded program in the UK that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals. These funds can go towards beneficial adaptations that can improve mobility independence within the home and mobility equipment to assist outdoors also. The grant is available to all disabled people who need mobility support, and the amount awarded depends on your disability needs and household income.
Access-to-Work Scheme – Government Grant
The Access-to-Work scheme is a government initiative in the UK that provides practical and financial support to disabled individuals who are employed or seeking employment. It helps cover the costs of workplace adjustments, such as assistive technology, equipment, travel expenses, and personal support services.
This support ensures that disabled employees can perform their jobs effectively and maintain their employment with a strong quality of life. This scheme is specifically available to those over 16 and can significantly improve access to jobs and career prospects.
Mobility grant application process: What to expect
What should you expect when applying for a government mobility scooter grant? Here are some steps you’ll need to consider before and during your application for a mobility grant:
- Research available grants and eligibility requirements
- Gather necessary documentation (e.g., medical records, proof of income)
- Complete the application forms
- Submit the application and any required supporting documents.
- Wait for approval and carry out the next steps of receiving your mobility equipment grant (such as assessments or home-visit)
Important note: For a successful application, provide accurate information at every step, and seek assistance from support organisations if needed.
Mobility scooter charities
If you are looking for support on your mobility scooter equipment, there are plenty of mobility scooter charities offering grants in the UK.
There may even be smaller charities in your local area that can help support you with the cost of a mobility scooter.
MS Society
The MS Society provides grants specifically for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or those who care for someone with MS in the UK. These grants can be used to purchase mobility scooters, helping to enhance independence and quality of life.
Phone: 0808 800 8000
The Mobility Trust
The Mobility Trust aims to assist individuals with severe disabilities who cannot obtain equipment through other means. They require an assessment with an Occupational Therapist to determine eligibility and the specific needs of the applicant.
Phone: 0118 984 2588
BLESMA
BLESMA supports current and ex-servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries. They offer financial aid for mobility scooters based on individual needs and circumstances.
Phone: 020 8590 1123
The Hospital Saturday Fund
The Hospital Saturday Fund offers grants for specialised mobility equipment to individuals in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. These grants help cover the cost of mobility scooters and other essential equipment.
Phone: 020 7202 1365
Family Fund
Family Fund provides grants for families raising disabled children or young people. They offer financial aid for purchasing mobility scooters and other aids to improve the mobility and independence of young individuals.
Phone: 01904 550055
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force Association)
The SSAFA Charity provides disability support to those who served in the armed forces, veterans, and armed forces families. This charity can additionally assist with the costs of mobility scooters to ensure ex-army, ex-RAF, and ex-Navy individuals remain independent in their everyday lives.
Phone: 0800 731 4880
Mobility scooter schemes
There are various mobility scooter schemes available in the UK, and as the UK becomes more supportive of its disabled community, we are already seeing great support systems in place for those in need of equipment.
Mobility scooters on the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme allows those with limited mobility the opportunity to gain a mobility scooter through a government-funded mobility allowance. If eligible for this scheme, you could receive a new mobility scooter or a new powerchair every three years from Monarch Mobility.
Mobility scooters on PIP
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Scheme offers financial support to those who have a long-term disability or health condition. A benefit of this scheme for those eligible is getting a mobility scooter or piece of mobility equipment for either a reduced cost or no cost at all.
How much PIP you receive is dependent on your mobility level, which requires an application and assessment process to determine. As part of this, you may also be eligible for PIP mobility grants, which can also go towards vehicle or home adaptations to assist you with mobility in all aspects of your daily routine.
Can I get financial help to buy a mobility scooter?
Yes – you can get financial support to buy a mobility scooter from elsewhere also!
There are various avenues for financial help if you are looking to buy a mobility scooter, such as:
- Local councils and social services
- Charitable organisations and non-profits
- Community grants and crowdfunding online
Mobility scooter financial assistance programmes and initiatives are available. Both governmental and non-governmental sources of financial aid for your mobility scooter offer you flexible ways of offsetting costs and enjoying your new routine to the fullest.
Let Monarch Mobility cover your mobility needs
Monarch Mobility is the one of the UK’s top mobility specialists for those in need of high-quality mobility equipment, including mobility scooters, powerchairs and rise and recline chairs.
Thanks to our two-decade’s worth of experience, our team has great expertise in helping individuals find and finance mobility scooters. As one of the UK’s leading mobility specialists, we have support in place to help those who are eligible for financial assistance on mobility scooters.
Grants for people with disabilities are essential, which is why it’s our company mission to assist as many people as possible with our top-of-the-line range of scooters. Everyday comfort and quality mobility equipment should be accessible to everyone, which is why we personally recommend our Motability Scheme.
Contact us at 0800 002 9633, and we’ll match the best piece of mobility equipment to your disability needs today. Browse our full range of mobility scooters and discover mobility excellence.
