The motability scheme and a DLA mistake./ SORTED

[Xanadu2]

When I underwent a knee replacement, with another one to come later, and the discovery of arthritis in my spine which makes it painful to walk for any length of time, I never thought to claim Disability Living Allowance until a professional visitor to the house pointed out that I could be eligible. To my great surprise I was awarded disability benefit at the higher rate for 18 months. Included in the envelope was a leaflet about the motability scheme.

I was amazed. I didn’t realise that disabled people are provided with vehicles. I have a little motorbike because there are very few buses where I live, and the specialist has told me that my motorcycling days are numbered. I certainly find handling a motorbike much more challenging than it used to be. I’m determined to learn to drive, but the controls of a normal car are so different that I need some time to get used to them, and I desperately need an instructor with more patience than those I’ve found to date.

However, being unable to believe my good fortune in being offered a vehicle, I was delighted to find there is a kind of car that can be driven on a full motorbike licence such as mine. I have never in my life known the system offer people more than they expect! I spoke to my doctor and rang up the DLA people a couple of times, and was reassured. I really could have this wonderful little car in exchange for my disability living allowance because it had been awarded to the end of 2008!

So off I went and got my car. I’m thrilled with it! But before I’d had it a week I mislaid my proof of disability and asked the DLA for a duplicate copy. It came today. It states my mobility allowance has only been awarded to the end of 2007! Than means I’m not entitled to a car!

But I’ve got it, I need it, and I didn’t obtain it on false pretences! What happens next?

[GlasweJen]

Go hunting for your original letter! My duplicate is the same as my original save the date (had to get it dates withink the last 6 months to apply for my scot concession card) this could just be a DLA error but you'll have to prove this, if you can't find the original get your doctor to confirm that you're likely to have your disability until the original date that you were awarded to and send that off to see if that will help any.

[Xanadu2]

Thanks, Jenschnifner!

So there is hope yet! I thought I might be treated like a benefit cheat, or at least have my wonderful new chariot snatched away from me.

Actually I have a very understanding doctor. No mattter what I tell him is wrong with me, he always makes the most of it when he's dictating letters.

[B.A.Ts]

Claiming DLA can be very confusing, especially with motobility, I think you have to have the mobility component for at least 6 months before you can apply to get a car etc then you have to be awarded for it for at least 3 years.
I was for the first three years had to go back and be seen by the DLA doctor before they decided that I could have it for life, but I think it all depends on the severity of your disability and illness.

[Cymraeg]

Are you buying or on lease?
Either way,you should have handed over a blue form to the vehicle supplier when you were arranging the vehicle's order. This blue form off the DLA office would have authorised the dealer to release the vehicle as it would have had a 'cut off' date as to when you would stop receiving your money and it would start to be paid to Motability (may be a little different if your supplier had the online system).If you weren't in receipt of sufficient award you wouldn't have been able to have the vehicle in the 1st place.
Sounds like a DLA mistake to me. Don't worry about it too much.

[Xanadu2]

Originally Posted by Cymraeg

Are you buying or on lease?
Either way,you should have handed over a blue form to the vehicle supplier when you were arranging the vehicle's order. This blue form off the DLA office would have authorised the dealer to release the vehicle as it would have had a 'cut off' date as to when you would stop receiving your money and it would start to be paid to Motability (may be a little different if your supplier had the online system).If you weren't in receipt of sufficient award you wouldn't have been able to have the vehicle in the 1st place.
Sounds like a DLA mistake to me. Don't worry about it too much.

Thanks very much, folks!

I've now found out it was a DLA mistake!

[Bookworm]

That's great, and a weight off your mind, I bet! Go enjoy your car.

[Xanadu2]

Thanks! I will enjoy it indeed! I’ve been in some green forums where people think it is terrible to have your own transport instead of relying on buses. (Oh, and we get the standard assumption that everyone can walk or cycle!)

I always want to know where all the buses are to take me everywhere I want or need to go! Since I’m a country person, there are, of course, hardly any! So I’ll really, really, enjoy this car, but I’m not telling the greenies on the net!!!