Graphic of a masculine-presenting, dark-skinned person seated in a silver manual wheelchair. They are wearing a grey turban, baby blue t-shirt and medium blue trousers with white shoes. They have a closed mouth, neutral expression on their face, and they are resting their right arm on their lap and their left arm on the left wheel.

Motability

The mobility scheme lets you exchange part of a benefit for an affordable vehicle to support your independence.

Who is eligible?

To join the Motability scheme, you must receive a disability benefit with at least 12 months’ remaining on your award, including:

Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance

Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment

War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement

Armed Forces Independence Payment

How to apply

You will need to visit a local specialist who will help you find a vehicle and make the application. Motability has a list of local dealers that have a Motability specialist. Payments are then deducted from your benefit every four weeks and paid directly to Motability by the Department for Work and Pensions

What happens if my benefit stops?

If your higher rate mobility component of your benefit is stopped, you can challenge the decision. Further information can be found on our "challenging welfare benefit decisions page". During this time, you will not be able to keep your Motability vehicle, however they do have some things in place to help you with this. For more information please see the Motability transitional support webpage.

Motability and the Blue Badge Scheme

Blue Badge Scheme

A Blue Badge is a parking permit which allows people with mobility problems to access services and locations more easily by parking in dedicated disabled parking bays.

Who is eligible?

The criteria for a Blue Badge is based on your mobility, severity of your condition and what benefits you may be entitled to. You can check your eligibility for a Blue Badge here.

How to apply

You can apply online for a Blue Badge on the gov.uk website. Although you apply through this website, your local council decides if you are eligible. It can take a while to assess your application and they will need evidence.

You can get a paper copy of the application form at your local library to complete by hand and return by post. You will need to send copies of any evidence documents.

If your local council decide that you are not eligible and you are unhappy with their decision, you can ask them to reconsider your

application.

For more information on applying for a Blue Badge in Norfolk visit Norfolk County Council’s Blue Badge scheme webpage.