PIP Freebies and Discounts 2024 | What You Could Be Missing Out On

PIP, or Personal Independence Payment, provides financial support to people under the State Pension age who need help with living expenses due to a health condition, disability, or illness. Those who meet the criteria can get up to £184.30 every week and may also be eligible for 12 extra PIP perks, discounts, and benefits worth thousands of pounds, like reductions in council tax, free NHS prescriptions, and access to blue badges.

PIP Freebies and Discounts

These bonuses assist with healthcare and the rising cost of living, making some bills and travel more affordable. They aim to level the playing field for people living with disabilities who face several disadvantages.

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How Much Does PIP Pay?

PIP is divided into two components, each with two separate rates based on the level of help required:

• Daily Living Component:
  • Standard rate: £72.65 per week
  • Enhanced rate: £108.55 per week
• Mobility Component:
  • Standard rate: £28.70 per week
  • Enhanced rate: £75.75 per week

PIP Freebies and Discounts

Along with the financial boost, claimants may also be eligible for 12 PIP discounts and concessions, including council tax reduction and travel discounts. A PIP award letter or notice is often required to apply for these.

List of PIP Freebies, Discounts, and Concessions:

• Blue badge
• Capped water bills
• Council Tax discounts
• Disability premium
• Disabled Facilities Grant
• Discounted days out
• Purpl disabled discount programme
• Free prescriptions
• Motability Scheme vehicle
• Toll roads
• Transport discounts
• Vehicle tax reduction

Detailed Breakdown of PIP Freebies and Discounts

1. Blue Badge (for parking)

• Application: Use your PIP award letter.
• Cost: Up to £10 (varies by council).
• Benefits:
  • Exemption from certain parking restrictions.
  • Access to designated parking spaces.
  • Free or discounted on-street parking.
  • Parking on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours (with no loading/unloading restrictions).
• Eligibility: Disability that limits movement and walking ability.

2. Capped Water Bills

• Scheme: WaterSure Scheme.
• Eligibility:
  • Medical condition requiring high water usage.
  • Household on a water meter (or applied for one).
• Action: Contact your water supplier to check eligibility.

3. Council Tax Discounts

• Eligibility: Receiving the daily living or mobility component of PIP.
• Action: Contact your local council.
• Proof: PIP letter.
• Discount Amount: Varies based on personal circumstances and PIP rates/components.
• Additional Info:
  • Around 2.8 million people in the UK don’t claim this discount.
  • Average discount worth around £975.
  • Complete exemption possible for those classed as ‘severely mentally impaired’.

4. Disability Premium (Benefit Top-Ups)

• Additional Payments:
  • £39.85/week (single, disability premium)
  • £56.80/week (couple, disability premium)
  • £76.40/week (single, severe disability premium)
  • £152.80/week (couple, severe disability premium)
  • £19.55/week (single, enhanced disability premium)
  • £27.90/week (couple, enhanced disability premium)
• Eligibility: Must receive one of the following benefits alongside PIP:
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (if receiving the daily living component of PIP)
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit (if receiving the daily living component of PIP)
  • Working Tax Credit

5. Disabled Facilities Grant

• Purpose: Home modifications for easier living.
• Eligibility: Assessed for eligibility.
• Grant Amount:
  • England: Up to £30,000
  • Wales: Up to £25,000
  • Not available in Scotland.
• Common Modifications:
  • Widening doorways
  • Installing ramps or grab rails
  • Installing a stairlift
  • Building an extension (e.g., downstairs bedroom)
  • Heating or lighting controls
  • Lowering kitchen worktops
  • Fitting a wet room or lower-access shower

6. Discounted Days Out

• Eligibility: Carer discounts or free entry at attractions.
• Examples:
  • National Trust and English Heritage (Essential Companion Card)
  • UK Cinema Association (CEA cards)
  • Merlin Entertainment attractions (free Carer Pass with Merlin Annual Pass)
• Proof: PIP letter dated within the past two years.

7. Purpl Disabled Discount Programme

• Purpose: Offset the cost of living with a disability.
• Discounts: Disability aids, health, fashion, technology, etc.
• Brands: Poundland, Hoover, Debenhams, Currys, and more.
• Additional Benefits: Community content, inspirational stories, shared learning, support for disabled charities.
• Eligibility: Verify disability status.

8. Free Prescriptions

• Eligibility: Medical condition qualifying for PIP.
• Conditions: Cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, physical conditions preventing outdoor mobility without assistance.
• Action: Apply for a medical exemption certificate (MedEx).
• Resources: NHS Business Services Authority website, local pharmacy.

9. Motability Scheme Vehicle

• Eligibility: Enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP with 12 months or more remaining on allowance.
• Benefits: Trade PIP earnings for a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair.
• Options: Over 2,000 cars to choose from, with insurance, tax, and servicing included.

10. Toll Roads

• Eligibility: Enhanced rate mobility component of PIP.
• Benefits: Concessions on toll roads, river crossings, bridges, and tunnels.

11. Transport Discounts

• Bus Pass: Distributed by local councils as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.
• Railcard: Up to a third off rail fares through a Disabled Person’s Railcard.
  • Cost: £20 per year or £54 for three years.
  • Savings: Average annual savings around £91.

12. Vehicle Tax Reduction

• Eligibility: Mobility component of PIP at the standard rate.
• Discount: 50% deduction on vehicle tax.
• Savings: Up to £1,000 annually.
• Action: Claim at local Post Office branch for first-time applications.

PIP Application Process

To claim PIP, you can apply over the phone or by post. Here are the steps:

By Phone

• Call the PIP new claims phone line on 0800 917 2222.

By Post

Send a letter to the following address:

Required Information

When making a PIP application, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Contact details
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number (if you have one)
• Bank or building society account details
• Your doctor or health worker’s name, address, and contact details
• Time spent in a care home or hospital, along with the addresses
• Any countries you’ve visited for more than four weeks at a time, along with the dates you were there

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Michael

Michael is an avid automobile enthusiast who is passionate about all things on wheels. From the latest car models to classic vintage rides, I love exploring the automotive world’s intricate details and engineering marvels. With years of experience in test-driving, reviewing, and analyzing cars, I provide readers with comprehensive insights and honest opinions.