BUYING and adapting a car can be expensive. The Motability Scheme – run by the independent not-for-profit organisation Motability – gives disabled people the chance to own or lease a car affordably. The Motability Scheme can help you with leasing or buyi

BUYING and adapting a car can be expensive. The Motability Scheme - run by the independent not-for-profit organisation Motability - gives disabled people the chance to own or lease a car affordably.

The Motability Scheme can help you with leasing or buying a car if you're getting the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement or the higher rate of mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Even if you don't drive, you can apply for a car as a passenger and propose two drivers.

You can also apply for a car on behalf of a child aged three or over, who is entitled to the mobility component.

Through the contract hire scheme you can lease a new car supplied by a Motability Accredited dealer. You can apply if you have 12 months or more of your Disability Living Allowance 'award' remaining. If your award is not renewed during the full length of your chosen scheme, your car will need to be returned.

Hire purchase enables you to buy the car you want. You are responsible for negotiating the purchase price with the dealer and arranging insurance. At the end of the hire purchase agreement - which can be between two to five years - you will own the car. If money is a problem,

Motability may be able to provide a grant.

- To find out more, contact: telephone: 0845 4564 566, textphone: 01279 632 273.