Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of changing her Department's policy so that people over the age of 65 who have motor neurone disease can apply for personal independence payment and be eligible for a motability car; and if she will make a statement.

The aim of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is to focus additional help with the extra costs of disability on people who become severely disabled earlier in life and who, as a consequence, face limited opportunities to work, earn and save compared with other people. Once PIP has been awarded, and subject to the conditions of entitlement continuing to be met, it can continue in payment after age 65. The upper age limit for PIP is currently aligned with State Pension age and will be rising in line with increases to it beginning from later this year.

For people who become disabled after reaching pension age Attendance Allowance (AA) can provide help with the extra costs of disability, and helps them maintain their independence. AA is a tax-free, non-contributory benefit which can be used flexibly to help meet extra needs, including those associated with limited mobility, and is currently worth up to £85.60 a week.