People who are successfully claiming Personal Independence Payment may be eligible for a range of other benefits, discounts and concessions, not all of which can be accessed through the DWP
Successfully claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can unlock a host of other discounts, freebies and benefits, many of which are not directly accessible through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), leaving claimants unaware of these additional perks.
Despite its notoriously challenging application and approval process, securing PIP can open up a wealth of other benefits, freebies, discounts and money-saving opportunities, irrespective of the amount received from the DWP. Simply being entitled to this benefit can qualify an individual for other concessions aimed at balancing the financial burden for those with added costs.
This disability benefit is offered to individuals below the state pension age to help offset the extra costs associated with living with a medical condition, disability or illness. The actual payments from the DWP can vary from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, depending on the type and severity of the disability or illness. Lottie highlighted some of the lesser-known concessions you could be eligible for outside of these cash benefits.
Water Bills
Certain individuals who receive PIP, or its predecessor Disability Living Allowance, may be eligible for assistance with their water bills through the WaterSure Scheme. If a household member has a medical condition that necessitates increased water usage, such as abdominal stomas or incontinence, they may qualify.
It’s recommended to check with your water supplier as the exact eligibility will differ between companies. Your household will also need to be on a water meter or have applied for one.
Discounts on Days Out
Individuals who have carers could be entitled to a range of discounted or free entry to attractions and events throughout the UK. This is through schemes like the Essential Companion Card offered by the National Trust and English Heritage or CEA cards offered through the UK Cinema Association at participating cinemas.
These cards, which aren’t usually compulsory but just used to speed up the entry process, often provide free entry for your carer while all Merlin Entertainment attractions provides a complimentary pass per disabled person. PIP is not a direct requirement for these discounts but you will need to show proof of your disability which can be made super simple with a PIP letter dated within the past two years.
Purpl Discount Programme
The programme, which was created by a disabled woman, highlights the discounts available on a variety of items for disabled people. This has the potential to save cash on nearly everything from disability aids to fashion and offers the community the chance to give back to disabled charities.
You can also get exclusive discounts by becoming a Purpl member, which requires you to verify your disability by uploading one of their accepted documents. This can include your PIP letters.
Toll Concessions
While tolls and congestion scheme charges can be a nightmare for many drivers, those with disabilities may be eligible for a concession. Specifically, individuals who receive the enhanced rate of the Personal Independence Payment’s (PIP) mobility component could get a discount on river crossings, bridges and tunnels.
Vehicle Tax Reduction
Those receiving the standard or enhanced rate of PIP’s mobility component might qualify for up to a 50% reduction on their vehicle tax, potentially saving hundreds of pounds annually. To be eligible, the vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person or their nominated driver, and the claim can be made when applying for vehicle tax.