Your guide to PIP mobility scheme and its benefits
If you’re living with a long-term disability or health condition, the PIP mobility scheme could make a big difference to your daily life. Through this government-funded support, you may be able to get financial help – or even access a PIP mobility scooter – to maintain your independence and mobility.
In this guide, we’ll explain what PIP is, who’s eligible, and how you can get a mobility scooter on PIP.
Table of Contents
What is PIP Benefit?
PIP stands for Personal Independence Payment. It’s a UK government a benefit which can assist those with long-term mental or physical disabilities, mental health conditions and those with difficulty doing everyday tasks because of an illness.
PIP is split into two parts:
- Daily Living – for help with everyday activities like preparing meals, managing medication, or personal care.
- Mobility – for those who have difficulty moving around, following a route, or leaving their home. This is the element you need to apply for if you require a mobility aid.
How much you receive depends on how your condition affects your day-to-day life and mobility.
Can you get a mobility scooter on PIP?
Yes. If you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP, you may be able to obtain a mobility scooter through the Motability Scheme. This scheme allows you to lease a PIP mobility scooter, powered wheelchair, or adapted vehicle helping you maintain your independence and stay active.
Many people wonder, “Can I get a free mobility scooter on PIP?”. While the scooter itself isn’t free, the Motability Scheme enables you to exchange your mobility allowance to cover the lease – meaning there are no extra upfront costs, insurance, or servicing fees. It’s often considered a free mobility scooter scheme because most of the costs are already included in your allowance.
What is the eligibility criteria for PIP?
You may qualify for the PIP mobility scheme if:
- you’re aged 16 or over and under State Pension age.
- you live in England or Wales. If you live in Scotland, you need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead.
- you expect the difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started.
- you have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around. This includes:
- working out a route and following it
- physically moving around
- leaving your home
You can usually claim PIP even if you’re already receiving other benefits.
If you aren’t eligible for PIP, don’t worry, there may be other mobility scooter grants available to you.
How do I apply for PIP?
Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for PIP, you can apply by following these steps:
- Call the PIP new claims phone line on 0800 917 2222. You’ll be asked a few basic questions and sent a form.
- You’ll receive a form titled “How your disability affects you” within about two weeks.
- Complete and return the form as instructed.
- You may be invited to attend an assessment if more information is needed. This could take place in your home, at an assessment centre, or over the phone.
- You’ll then receive a decision letter telling you whether your application has been successful. If it has been successful, the letter will confirm your first payment date and when your claim will be reviewed.
For more detail, visit the government website.
Other benefits you can access on the PIP Mobility Scheme
If you’re awarded the mobility component of PIP, you may also qualify for:
- Blue Badge for easier parking access
- Vehicle tax discount or exemption
- Motability Scheme vehicle, including mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
- Disabled Persons Railcard for discounted travel
Gaining independence through the PIP mobility scheme
Applying for PIP can be life-changing. By getting a mobility scooter on PIP via the Motability Scheme you can enhance your independence and quality of life.
At Monarch Mobility, the UK’s leading mobility specialist, our experts can guide you through the application process and help you to choose the right mobility aid for your needs.
Contact our friendly team today to learn how the PIP mobility scheme can help you access the perfect mobility scooter for your lifestyle.
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