The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Motability customers who need to travel longer distances for essential journeys may qualify for additional mileage support, including reduced charges for exceeding their lease allowance.
The clarification follows changes to the Motability Scheme earlier this year which reduced the standard mileage allowance for new leases from 20,000 to 10,000 miles annually and increased excess mileage charges from 5p to 25p per mile.
The changes took effect from July 1, 2026, although customers receiving their mobility allowance through Social Security Scotland were given until September 1 before the new arrangements applied.
Minister confirms additional support
In a written parliamentary response, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms confirmed that additional support is available for disabled customers who need to travel significantly further for healthcare, education or employment.
The response followed questions from MP Liz Saville Roberts, who asked about the impact of reduced mileage allowances on disabled people living in rural areas and those facing additional charges for essential journeys.
Sir Stephen said: "After careful consideration of customer's needs, Motability announced that from 1 July 2026, customers who need significantly more travel than the standard mileage allowance for essential healthcare, education or employment journeys may be eligible for additional mileage support."
He confirmed that customers must demonstrate a requirement for more than 3,000 miles annually for these purposes, with reduced excess mileage charges applying to approved additional journeys.
Rural customers receive extra miles
Holiday and leisure travel are excluded from the arrangements. The minister also confirmed that customers living in certain rural areas could receive an additional 3,000 miles annually because of the longer distances involved in accessing everyday services.
Sir Stephen said: "Motability Operations has used data from national Governments to identify the areas with limited access to essential services."
He added that the data considered typical journey times to services including grocery shopping, healthcare and education.
According to official Motability guidance, customers who need more than 3,000 miles annually for qualifying healthcare, education or employment journeys can request additional support. The scheme considers journeys including hospital and GP appointments, specialist treatment, travelling to work and attending education or training.
Reduced charges and eligibility
Where additional mileage is approved, the excess mileage charge is reduced to 10p per mile for the first 5,000 additional miles. For approved mileage exceeding that amount, the charge falls to 0p per mile, up to an individually agreed limit.
Customers must provide evidence of their travel requirements, which may include details of medical appointments, employment or education. Requests can be made when ordering a vehicle or during an eligible lease if circumstances change.
Motability also provides up to 3,000 additional miles annually for qualifying customers living in the most rural areas, including some island communities. Eligibility is determined using postcode information and national government data measuring access to essential services.
Motability will contact eligible customers directly by email or letter, meaning they do not need to apply separately for this rural mileage allowance. The scheme's guidance confirms that customers receiving mobility benefits through Social Security Scotland are also covered by the additional support arrangements.
Customers who ordered vehicles before the relevant July or September 2026 changes retain the mileage allowances agreed under their existing leases. Further information about eligibility, supporting evidence and requesting additional mileage is available on the Motability Scheme website.
