Individuals receiving Personal Independence Payments from the Department for Work & Pensions could be eligible for more than just financial assistance. Often dubbed as a gateway or passport benefit, securing PIP could open doors to other forms of support, depending on the rate of PIP you’re entitled to.
However, many remain unaware of the numerous freebies they could claim alongside the benefit. Some of these perks need to be claimed, while others may be automatic based on your circumstances.
There’s even an additional package of support worth over £152.
Blue Badge
If you’re a PIP claimant, you could qualify for a blue badge or disabled badge. These badges grant access to designated disabled parking spaces, which are typically larger and closer to entrances, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
They can also exempt your vehicle from certain parking restrictions. To be eligible for a blue badge, your disability must affect your mobility or ability to walk, which can be demonstrated with a PIP award letter.
Some councils may charge for a blue badge, but this is usually not more than £10, according to residential care and independent living comparison site Lottie.
Capped water bills
Those receiving PIP might be eligible for the WaterSure Scheme. You could qualify if you or someone in your household has a medical condition that necessitates a large amount of water for maintenance.
Your property must also be equipped with a water meter. The scheme is administered by individual water suppliers, so you’ll need to check with your company for their eligibility criteria and the support they offer.
Council tax discounts
Council Tax discounts could be available if you receive the daily living or mobility component of PIP. The discount rate depends on your personal circumstances but can reach up to 100 per cent.
According to Lottie, 2.8 million people fail to claim their entitlement, resulting in £2.7 billion in unclaimed discounts each year.
Disability Premium
This is an additional government benefit for those claiming certain benefits who are under Pension Credit age.
It’s a weekly income supplement ranging from £19.55 to £152.80 per week, depending on your living situation and disability.
Disabled Facilities Grant
This is offered to modify and adapt your home to your needs.
This can include building extensions, widening doorways or lowering kitchen worktops. Up to £30,000 in England and £25,000 in Wales is provided.
Not everyone who receives PIP will qualify for this grant as it has its own criteria and application process.
Days out discounts
Having a PIP award certificate can make it much easier to claim discounts and concessions on tickets for days out and other events.
This includes tickets through the UK Cinema Association, Merlin Entertainment attractions and National Trust venues. Purpl disabled discount programme.
Purpl disabled discount programme
Purpl is a platform designed to highlight any discounts that you might be entitled to but are unaware of. From disability aids to fashion and technology, several big brands are part of the community.
By verifying your disability status, which can be done with a disability benefits letter, you can access exclusive discounts.
Free prescriptions
Claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, can qualify you for free prescriptions.
However, you will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate online through the NHS Business Services Authority website or consult your local pharmacy.
Vehicles
Individuals who are entitled to the enhanced rate of mobility component for PIP with 12 months or more on their allowance can allocate some of their benefit earnings towards the cost of a brand-new accessible car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, which offers over 2,000 options and includes insurance, tax and servicing.
Toll discounts
Claiming the enhanced rate of mobility component can also provide you with discounts on toll and congestion charges, including river crossings, bridges and tunnels.
Transport discounts
The disabled person’s travel cards can offer free local bus travel through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme or discounted rail services with the Disabled Person’s Railcard.
Vehicle tax reduction
If you’re receiving the enhanced or standard rate of the mobility component, you could qualify for a 50 per cent reduction on your vehicle tax. This could result in annual savings of over £1,000, depending on your typical tax bill.
However, to be eligible, the person claiming PIP must either own the vehicle or be its nominated driver. You can make your claim at your local Post Office branch when applying for vehicle tax.