[WardyGTC]

Just had an interesting conversation with the grants team.

We said we needed a bigger car due to my wife having a new, bigger powerchair. They asked when we got the new chair (about a year ago) and they responded with; You’ve managed with your current car and the new chair for a year so it must be suitable. We can’t offer you a grant (even though we qualify on financial grounds) and we recommend a two year extension on your current lease.

I queried that I had read MB were cutting back on extensions and she said that if it saves them a grant they will approve it.

So now I’m stuck with a choice of sticking with a car we’ve tolerated for the past year or stumping up a sizeable AP next month when who knows what may transpire with the new quarter.

Not so long ago I’d have been happy to go to war with them on a matter of principle but I’m going into hospital tomorrow for spinal surgery and have other priorities on my mind right now.

If I seem a little strange, that's because I am.

Skoda Karoq SEL.

Topic

[Glos Guy]

Sorry to hear that you were unhappy with the outcome. Whilst I am often quick to criticise Motability, I do have some sympathy with them on this.

Grants are effectively paid for by all non-qualifying scheme members, so it’s right that they scrutinise them and only pay them when there is no alternative. A lease extension seems like a sensible solution, especially as many people who have to pay the full AP would themselves like the option to extend rather than having to stump up another AP, especially as they have increased substantially in recent years.

It’s interesting that you say that you might have to stump up a sizeable AP. In my ignorance, I wouldn’t have thought that someone who was in a position to do that would be eligible for a grant? Looking on the bright side, a lease extension gives you options. For as long as you can manage with the car you can avoid paying another AP. Conversely, as lease extensions don’t lock you in for the full two years, you now have ultimate flexibility to go for any suitable car as and when it should come on to the scheme – affordability permitting of course.

As you say, you have more pressing issues at present, so good luck with your operation tomorrow.

[T.O.M.]

That is so interesting. I chatted with Motability today requesting an extension but was flat out denied.

[Mark]

I believe there is zero chance of getting a Motability advisor to extend a 3 year lease.

They can extend for a max of 4 weeks, but only during the last 2 weeks of the lease! They told me.

The people to speak to is a member of the grant team. They and they alone can extend the lease for a further 2 years.

I’m unsure as to what circumstances they would agree, but it must be worth a try.

Knowing what circumstances would be really helpful.

[T.O.M.]

Thanks, @Mark

[WardyGTC]

@Glos Guy

It is possible to qualify for a grant without being completely destitute. I work for a low wage and get a small amount of Universal Credit. I also have some modest savings which I may have to sacrifice to fund the AP, there is also the option of going into debt for the AP if the right vehicle is that important.

Personally I wouldn’t saddle myself with debt but I know of some who have/would.

If I seem a little strange, that's because I am.

Skoda Karoq SEL.

[Glos Guy]

A very sensible approach @WardyGTC

I hope that things work out for you.

[Author]

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