The 12 freebies PIP claimants are entitled to - and one is worth £152
People claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could receive more than just financial help. Often referred to as a gateway or passport benefit, by getting PIP you could qualify you for other types of support.
This sometimes depends on what PIP rate you are entitled to. But many people are unaware there are a number of freebies you could be entitled to if you are claiming PIP.
Some of these free perks need to be claimed, while others may be automatic depending on your circumstances. There is even one extra package of support that is worth more than £152.
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Blue Badge
You could get a blue badge or disabled badge if you claim PIP. These allow you to use the designated disabled parking spaces which tend to be larger and close to entrances.
The badges can also make your vehicle exempt from some parking restrictions. To be eligible for a blue badge, your disability must have an impact on your movement or ability to walk.
This can be proven using a PIP award letter. Some councils may charge for a blue badge but usually this is not more than £10, according to residential care and independent living comparison site Lottie.
Capped water bills
People receiving PIP may be eligible for the WaterSure Scheme. You might be able to qualify if you or someone in your household has a medical condition which requires a lot of water to maintain.
Your property also has to have a water meter. The scheme is distributed by individual water suppliers so you will need to check with your company for their eligibility criteria and the support offered.
Council Tax discounts
You could be eligible for council tax discounts if you receive the daily living or mobility component of PIP. The rate of the discount depends on your personal circumstances but can it be up to 100 per cent.
According to Lottie, 2.8 million people do not take advantage of their entitlement, with £2.7billion in discounts going unclaimed every year.
Disability Premium
This is an additional government benefit for people claiming certain benefits who are under Pension Credit age. It is a weekly income top-up ranging from £19.55 to £152.80 per week depending on your living circumstances and disability.
Disabled Facilities Grant
This grant 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 be eligible for this grant as it has its own criteria and application process.
Days out discounts
Having a PIP award certificate can make it far 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 is designed to highlight any discounts which you might be entitled to but do not know about. From disability aids to fashion and technology, a number of big brands are a part of the community.
You can get exclusive discounts by verifying your disability status which can be done with a disability benefits letter.
Free prescriptions
Claiming PIP for certain medical conditions can qualify you for free prescriptions. This includes diabetes or epilepsy - but you will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate online.
You can do this through the NHS Business Services Authority website or speak to you local pharmacy.
Vehicles
People who are entitled to the enhanced rate of mobility component for PIP with 12 months or more on their allowance can put some of their benefit earnings towards the cost of a brand-new accessible car, scooter or powered wheelchair. The Through the Motability Scheme offers more than 2,000 options and includes insurance, tax and servicing.
Toll discounts
Claiming the enhanced rate of mobility component can give you discounts on toll and congestion charges. This can include river crossings, bridges and tunnels.
Transport discounts
The disabled person’s travelcards can provide free local bus travel through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme or discounts rail services with the Disabled Person’s Railcard.
Vehicle tax reduction
If you get the enhanced or standard rate of the mobility component, you could be eligible for 50 per cent reduction on vehicle tax. Tis could save you more than £1,000 annually depending on your usual tax bill.
The person claiming PIP must have the vehicle in their name or be the nominated driver to be eligible and you can claim it at your local Post Office branch when applying for vehicle tax.