Information for carers and appointees

Under the Motability Scheme, disabled people may exchange their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. If you are acting on behalf of a disabled person as an appointee or nominee, you may find the following information useful.

What’s the difference between an appointee and a nominee?

A disabled person may name a nominee, authorised to speak to us on their behalf. However, a nominee has no further legal rights, and the Motability Agreement will be in the name of the customer.

What is an appointee?

Appointees have the right to collect state benefits on behalf of the disabled person, and determine how they are used. Appointees are assigned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Veterans UK and are normally a family member. An appointee may be necessary when the disabled person is under 16 years of age, or otherwise unable to manage their own affairs. If you are not sure of your status, you can confirm with the DWP on 0345 712 3456 or Veterans UK on 0808 191 4218.

The appointee and the Motability Scheme

As an appointee, you are named on the Lease Agreement for the Motability vehicle, and legally responsible on behalf of the disabled person. As such it will be your responsibility to ensure the car is used only for correct purposes and that the disabled person has open access to the car. You are also fully responsible for any outstanding financial liabilities under the Lease Agreement.

What is a corporate appointee?​

A corporate appointee is a corporate body responsible for the collection and allocation of state benefits for the disabled person. They are assigned by the DWP or Veterans UK and may be a charity or social services, for example. If you are unsure whether you’re a corporate appointee, you can confirm with the DWP directly on 0345 712 3456 or Veterans UK on 0800 191 4218.​

The corporate appointee and the Motability Scheme

​A corporate appointee is named on the Lease Agreement for the Motability vehicle, and legally responsible on behalf of the disabled person. As such it will be their responsibility to ensure the car is used only for correct purposes and that the disabled person has open access to the car. They are also fully responsible for any outstanding financial liabilities under the Lease Agreement. ​​

About carers

Here at Johnsons, we understand that for some disabled people having a carer is crucial to maintaining their lifestyle. A carer can assist a disabled person with their choice of Motability car and application to join the scheme. However, they are not able to lease the vehicle on behalf of the disabled person, as they have not been assigned (as nominee or appointee) by the DWP or Veterans UK.

About nominees

Unfortunately we’re unable to discuss the Motability customer’s agreement with anyone other than the customer (due to data protection rules), unless the other party is named as a ‘nominee’ on the agreement.

The nominee form must be signed by both the Motability customer and the named nominee. For additional security, a password may be set. Appointed nominees are able to speak with us on the customers behalf and make minor amendments, including:

• minor changes to the agreement (for example address details)
• Add/remove drivers (through insurers, RSA Motability).