Hi, my name is charlie26

charlie26
charlie26 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
in Start here and say hello!

Hello everyone I am retired but I have a son of 38 with learning disabilities. I also chair a local Mencap Society so I am here to gain information for my own needs and also information for members needs. I am also happy to give my own opinion on other members questions on this community. I was a registered nurse before I retired.

Comments

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Online Community Member Posts: 1,523 Pioneering

    Hello @charlie26 welcome to the Community. I hope you enjoy your time on the forum. Any questions just ask.

    Have a look around and join in.

    Take care.

  • charlie26
    charlie26 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    I found this website because somewhen in the future my son will need to go into supported living and I was looking up to see whether they would take his mobility allowance which I use to help finance my own car but when my finance finishes in 18 months time I was thinking of getting a Motability car. I had joined before but unfortunately the vehicle I had was too high for my wife to get in easily so I gave it back and bought a smaller car. Anyway I did discover that although they will take his PIP I can "keep" the mobility component but I know that I will be taking him out etc.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,558 Championing

    If he is living in supported living then yes a Motability car can still be applied for.

    You would need to report the full circumstances to Motability.

    You will however only be able to use it to take him out & about, not for any personal use for yourself or your wife.

  • charlie26
    charlie26 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Hello Kimi87 Actually I am not wearing my thinking head.At this time I havent got a motability car but I do use part of his mobilty allowance to eke out my finances., however because I have to shop for him and transport him sometimes I allow myself to believe the money he "gives " me is for mobility.When I had the motability I didnt always use it purely for him but I would have been prepared to argue that anything I was doing was for his benefit.I didnt take him shopping for food but that was for him.When I went to the B&Q it was to repare the house but that will eventually go to him(and his 2 brothers) I cant see that they could expect me to run 2 cars and also how would they police my using the motability car. I do understand that some people may use the car for work (however I would argue that my bringing in money helps him)If I was a taxi driver and a cousin and not bringing in any benefit yes thats wrong. I may possibly not need a motability car nor his mobility allowance I will need to look very carefully at my finaces.Whilst I am his carer I dont pay council tax! (my wife died last April) but when I am no longer his carer I will need to pay some council tax unless I become a student or a monk!😊

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 8,558 Championing
    edited March 12

    The Motability cars are meant for the benefit of the disabled person, and not as a personal or family runabout.

    Some of their cars are fitted with tracking so they can monitor use, especially when the address the car is kept at is different from the disabled persons residence, and they do investigate reports of fraud/misuse they receive.

    If at the time your son is in supported living with many of his needs met on site, and you did get a Motability car, then it still could only be used for his benefit so you would indeed be expected to run a second car at your own expense for your personal use.

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