PIP: Britons urged to check full list of freebies and discounts as thousands miss out | Personal Finance | Finance
Currently, PIP claimants can get up to £627.60 for the month, which is set to increase from April. However many people do not know that there are different freebies and discounts alongside the benefit to help support low income families even further.
Some three million people who currently receive PIP are set to receive a cash boost this year.
According to the DWP, PIP takes into account two assessments of a potential recipient’s needs: daily living and mobility.
This means assessors will take into account help a recipient needs with activities such as eating, drinking or preparing food as well as how a person physically moves around or leaves the home.
Once the rate increases, anyone awarded both of the higher payments would get £172.75 a week, equivalent to £691 a month or £8,983 a year.
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It should be noted that PIP only applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – people living in Scotland need to apply for Adult Disability Payment instead.
Britons aged 16 or over and under state pension are entitled to claim PIP if they have a disability that inhibits their ability to perform everyday tasks, and which they expect to last for at least 12 months or more.
Those who claim this support have a responsibility to report any changes in their life to the Government department.
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account, and they’re tax-free.
DON’T MISS
Benefit boost – People might be eligible for top-ups or what’s called a disability premium. Claimants will need to get PIP as well as another benefit to be eligible. More information can be found on the Government website.
Vehicle tax reduction – If someone is receiving the standard rate mobility component of PIP, they can get a 50 percent reduction in vehicle tax.
Cost of living payments – Over six million people with disabilities will receive a £150 payment this summer. More information on who is eligible will be made available in upcoming months.
Free prescriptions – If someone has a disability that entitles them to PIP, they may be able to get free NHS prescriptions too. However, they might not be guaranteed the freebie as it is certain illnesses such as caner or epilepsy.
To get the free prescription people will have to apply for a medical exemption certificate. More information can be found on the NHS website.
Disabled Facilities Grant – People can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if they’re disabled and need to make changes to their home to suit their needs. In England, people can get up to £30,000 of support.
Disabled person’s railcard – This could give someone up to a third off rail fares – roughly £4.26 per journey or £91 per year depending on how often they get the train.
Capped water bills – Some water suppliers offer customers help with their bills if they’re on certain benefits through what’s known as the WaterSure scheme. This sometimes includes those on disability living allowance or PIP.
Lease a vehicle with PIP cash – If someone is awarded the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have 12 months or more remaining on their current allowance, they may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.
It’s simple and affordable – people will have over 2,000 cars to choose from and insurance, tax and servicing are all included.
