Disability allowance to fund your mobility needs

If you have mobility difficulties or a disability, you may be able to getting help to fund your mobility equipment.

If you’re over 16, you need to apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) which is gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged between 16-64 with long term health or disability conditions. You can use the gov.uk checker to see how this effects you.

Disability allowance is a tax free benefit and when it comes to mobility, it’s split between below:

Mobility component Weekly rate Level of help you need
Lower £21.55 Guidance or supervision outdoors
Higher £56.75 You have any other, more severe, walking difficulty

PIP is awarded based on your mobility and care needs, not on what conditions or illnesses you’re diagnosed with. Which makes sense as not everyone is affected in the same way or has the same level or severity of a condition. So it would be hard to suggest just because someone else with The same condition was awarded it then everyone else will be to if you understand what I mean. 

Minivator 2000 curved stairlift

From what I’ve read the assessments done by Capita seem to be fairly comprehensively done and give fair results. Now you’ve been assessed unfortunately you’ll probably just have to wait until you get your decision , and I think it can be a few weeks before that happens and longer if the DWP ask for any further clarification on the assessment.

Are you eligible?

Adults can claim PIP  if your disability or condition means one or both of the following relate to you:

  • you need help looking after yourself
  • you have walking difficulties

There is also a care component to be considered which you may be eligible if:

  • You need help with things like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or communicating your needs
  • You supervision to avoid putting yourself or others in danger
  • You need someone with you when you’re on dialysis
  • You can’t prepare a cooked main meal

This can claim for this if no one is giving you the care you need, or you live by yourself.

Living alone

When it comes to mobility needs, you may be entitled to this part of DLA/PIP if, when using your normal aid, you:

  • can’t walk
  • can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort
  • could become very ill if you try to walk

You might also get it if you:

  • have no feet or legs
  • are assessed as 100% blind and at least 80% deaf and you need someone with you when outdoors
  • are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and get the highest rate of care for DLA
  • need supervision most of the time when walking outdoors
  • are certified as severely sight impaired and you were aged between 3 and 64 on 11 April 2011

To determine whether or not you’re eligable for allowance to help and support your needs, you may be assessed to check what level of help you need.

For more information on all of the above and for expert advice, see gov.uk website.