A service user is going to start receiving CHC funding. Their social worker has asked us for advice about whether DLA HRC + HRM will still be paid. HRM is used for a Motability car which the service user wants to keep. I confidently advised that payment of DLA would cease (after 28 days) and that, presumably, the user would lose their car. However, the social worker has now found some information (not sure of source) which states as follows:

"The DLA higher rate mobility component will continue to be paid over to Motability's service providers in relation to a hire purchase/contract hire of a Motability vehicle."

Is this right?

Thanks if you can help - Matthew

Yes Social Worker is 100% correct.

They keep the car / wheelchair for the length of the existing agreement but are unable to renew another one if still in hospital at the end of the existing one.

It depends where the service user is living. If she is having her continuing care at home (or anywhere else that is not a hospital or similar) then she keeps all of her DLA. See CDLA 7980/95 (starred 84/97)