People paying vehicle tax have been told that in some cases they may qualify for an exemption if they claim certain benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions has set out rules around whether people who have some disabilities don’t have to pay to help them get around.
The DWP said people may not have to pay vehicle tax if either they’re a disabled driver or they have a you have a certain type of vehicle. It adds: “You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time. If you have more than one vehicle, you’ll need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax.”
Eligibility
You can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name. The DWP says: “It must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs. It cannot be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use.You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time. If you have more than one vehicle, you’ll need to choose which one will be exempt from vehicle tax.”
How to claim
You claim the exemption when you apply for vehicle tax. If you’re claiming for a vehicle for the first time, you have to claim at a Post Office. You must do this every time you change your vehicle.
Vehicle tax reduction
Eligibility
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the:
The vehicle should be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name.
You cannot get a reduction for getting the DLA lower rate mobility component.
Check which vehicles you do not need to pay tax on
You do not have to pay tax on some types of vehicle, for example:
- disabled passenger vehicles
- mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs
Check which types of vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax.
How to claim
You must include the following with your application:
- a letter or statement from the Department for Work and Pensions that shows your PIP rate and the dates you’re getting it – if you’re getting PIP
- an ADP decision letter from Social Security Scotland that shows your mobility component rate and the dates you’re getting it – if you’re getting ADP
- the vehicle log book (V5C)
- a V10 form
- evidence of a current MOT, if you need one – for example, a copy of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one
- an original goods vehicle testing (GVT) certificate, if you need one
- a cheque or payable order (made out to ‘DVLA, Swansea’) for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle
- an insurance certificate or cover note (if you live in Northern Ireland)