Driving/car

mandy1967

I have arthritis in my left wrist, lower back, ankles and knees and am now finding it very difficult to drive my manual car. Although I am self employed I still have a low income and am not able to get a loan and only receive the lower rate of DLA. I need to change my car to an automatic probably with a right hand pedal as my right ankle is, at the moment, less painful than my right.

Does anyone know of any schemes/grants to enable me to change my car. Without it I will be house bound as I am not able to walk very far without extreem pain.
thank you
x

woodbon

Hi Mandy,

Their are schemes that can help if you get awarded dla at the moblie rate. I wouldn't qualify for it and have not looked at it for some time, but I'm sure someone on here will be able to tell you more than I can. It used to be called Motability, I think and comes on the dwp site. I'm sure someone on here will know. You could also try the Helpline number at the top of this page, as they are very good for any information.
Hope you find something quickly. Cars are a necessary bother, these days!
Love Sue

carola

I don't know all the ins and outs however I know that alot of the car shops eg Arnold Clark have Motability advisors therefore maybe an idea if you speak with one of them? They are always looking for sales obviously therefore they should know all the schemes and nitty gritty details to point you in the right direction.

Also, DWP website will give you a number to call.

Good luck with it and keep us updated.

Carol

robertls

To get Motobility you have to have High Rate Mobility of DLA.

I looked in to before I got my DLA........I couldn't find anything that didn't cost an arm and a leg..........please excuse the pun.....

Seems like its all or nothing I'm afraid......

Rob x

mandy1967

that is what I found robertls but I dont have all so it looks like nothing


thanks for all you help

robertls

mandy1967 wrote:

that is what I found robertls but I dont have all so it looks like nothing


thanks for all you help

I'm sorry Mandy.........I spent hours trawling through DWP, all the government 'help' sites, and everyone else I could think of.

Getting you own car modified was impossible.

I so wish I could be of help........

Rob x

mandy1967

robertls wrote:

mandy1967 wrote:

that is what I found robertls but I dont have all so it looks like nothing


thanks for all you help

I'm sorry Mandy.........I spent hours trawling through DWP, all the government 'help' sites, and everyone else I could think of.

Getting you own car modified was impossible.

I so wish I could be of help........

Rob x

Thats fine Rob thats for answering. I have spent hours looking for information too and there is nothing if you are caught in the middle of the lower rate DLA and the higher level.
Mandy
x

patriciamary

Hi Mandy. Like you I was finding driving very uncomfortable and struggled until I was getting a new car and at that point I got an automatic. This car was great but after a couple of years I was struggling again only this time it was getting in and out of the car. So the next car was a very good second hand Honda HRV automatic. Its higher up so I can back myself into the seat then swing my legs in and getting out is swinging legs out and sliding myself out. That was five years ago and the car is still going strong and I have never looked back. Being a Honda I expect it will last longer than me. When it goes for its MOT its only once needed a repair and that was brake shoes so its not "garage expensive". You are saying you only get the low rate mobility DLA but surely if you are having such a difficult time driving you should be speaking to your GP and re-applying for higher rate mobility, by the sounds of it, you certainly need it.
Regards
Trisha

mandy1967

patriciamary wrote:

Hi Mandy. Like you I was finding driving very uncomfortable and struggled until I was getting a new car and at that point I got an automatic. This car was great but after a couple of years I was struggling again only this time it was getting in and out of the car. So the next car was a very good second hand Honda HRV automatic. Its higher up so I can back myself into the seat then swing my legs in and getting out is swinging legs out and sliding myself out. That was five years ago and the car is still going strong and I have never looked back. Being a Honda I expect it will last longer than me. When it goes for its MOT its only once needed a repair and that was brake shoes so its not "garage expensive". You are saying you only get the low rate mobility DLA but surely if you are having such a difficult time driving you should be speaking to your GP and re-applying for higher rate mobility, by the sounds of it, you certainly need it.
Regards
Trisha

I have just had to renew my DLA which will be looked at in the next few weeks so I am hoping that something can be done. My big worry is that I wont be able to drive at all then I cant get out and as I work from home and need to post items that could mean I wont be able to work either!!!!!! It's such a pain (please excuse the pun)
Mandy
x

bubbles

Hi Mandy

It might be worth asking the DLA to review their decision, based on the difficulties you are having with your ankles etc. Perhaps your GP would back you up on this and write a supporting letter.

Motability is certainly the best root to take, if you can get an increase from the dear DWP assessors.

Or, an automatic car would be another option to think of. I love automatics, not that I drive any more, due to side effects of medication etc.

Hope you manage to get the right outcome XXX Bubbles

tkachev

Hi Mandy,

So sorry to read about your difficulties.Please keep tryng with DLA. If they turn you down it doesnt mean you dont qualify- they just trying to put you off claiming!They like a good battle.
I havent driven for 6 years due to various painful joints but used to have an automatic Fiesta which I loved.It just got too much for me but much better than a manual.


Elizabeth

sharmaine

Hi Mandy

I'm sure someone will come up with a suggestion for you. Have you tried searching online? I had to change my car 3 years ago to an automatic and it was the best thing I did. I also ensured that I could raise the height of the driving seat. Being at a height makes it easier to get in an out of the car.

I recall reading something somewhere called the Social Fund loans for people on benefits and low incomes - have a search on the web.

Regards and good luck
Sharmaine
X

mandy1967 wrote:

I have arthritis in my left wrist, lower back, ankles and knees and am now finding it very difficult to drive my manual car. Although I am self employed I still have a low income and am not able to get a loan and only receive the lower rate of DLA. I need to change my car to an automatic probably with a right hand pedal as my right ankle is, at the moment, less painful than my right.

Does anyone know of any schemes/grants to enable me to change my car. Without it I will be house bound as I am not able to walk very far without extreem pain.
thank you
x