- This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 10 months ago by
.
- Topic
Thank you for your recent application for a grant from Motability, the Charity.
We are contacting you today regarding changes that we are making to the way we review grant applications. Demand for charitable grants is currently at an unprecedented level due to the restricted availability and rising prices of vehicles on the Motability Scheme combined with the cost of living crisis. We are seeing a 75% rise in the average number of grant applications sent out per day this year compared to last year. In order to ensure that we help disabled people in the most need, in the quickest possible way, we are prioritising applicants who do not currently have a vehicle and who, without our help, will experience a significant impact on their everyday lives.
As you have informed us that you do currently have a vehicle on The Motability Scheme, it will take longer than usual to review your grant application. Based on current volumes and breakdown of applications, we estimate that the wait time could take up to four to six months from the date of this letter. We are sorry that this timescale is likely to be disappointing for you – it is for us too – and we are doing everything possible to reduce it.
If you feel that you no longer wish to continue with your grant application, and would prefer to fund a vehicle and or adaptations yourself, please click here to let us know.
Alternatively, if your vehicle is still suitable for your needs, you might be able to extend your lease for up to two years. The easiest way to extend your lease is in your Motability Scheme online account. Sign in or create your account at motability.co.uk/account. If you’ve already extended your lease for two years or more, please call Motability Operations on 0300 456 4566 to discuss your options.
If you would prefer to wait for a grant application decision, please ensure that you have sent all relevant supporting documentation in order for your application to be considered. Please be assured that we will review your application as soon as we possibly can but in the meantime, we hope you understand why we have had to make this difficult decision to prioritise applications where people have no vehicle.
Yours
Lisa Jones
Director, Charitable OperationsIf I seem a little strange, that's because I am.
Skoda Karoq SEL.
- Replies
Although the logic makes sense the cynic in me thinks this is a ploy to get people to abandon their applications.
If I seem a little strange, that's because I am.
Skoda Karoq SEL.
Blimey, that’s some delay, due in part to a %75 increase in applications.
Joss
Current car: Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.
Coming soon...BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In November 2025Daft reply, but you would think they would get more manpower in to help with an incease in applications ?
If you hang on for your turn to come, there is the likelihood you won’t be offered the vehicle of your choice. You also run the risk of two AP increases over that 6 months.
Whats the saying – stuck between a rock and a hard place!
I rang up the grants team last Thursday and have been referred over to the complex driving solutions team. After a bit of missing each other, we finally made contact today and it’s gone from an elevating swivel out of car seat option to a possible/probable WAV/TIV/DFW as the best way forward.
How long it takes from here is anyone’s guess, I’ve never got this far before!
To be honest, I feel a little daunted, I thought the swivel seat option was the better and most cost-effective option, but they are concerned it still doesn’t give me the independence required. I like big cars but a WAV is another planet completely…I suppose I’m doing my normal and trying to deny reality but it’s a blooming scary realisation that things have deteriorated this much.
For context, I am in the second year of an extension on my current vehicle and really struggling with it now and can no longer go out in it independently.
Does anyone know if you’re able to apply for a grant well in advance of your next lease starting?
Say for instance, my lease does not run out for another 18 months, could I apply for the grant now to make sure I have it confirmed well in advance?
I don’t know Harb but with the benefit of hindsight I’d have certainly tried 12 months prior to expiry.
The possibility of a change in circumstances is the only reason I can see them giving as to why not.
Only one way to find out, ask ’em.
If I seem a little strange, that's because I am.
Skoda Karoq SEL.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.