HELPING HAND
Full list of free cash and discounts you can get if you’re claiming PIP this half-term
Find out everything you need to know about saving while on PIP
MILLIONS of people can get free cash and discounts that will help them save over the half-term.
The freebies are available to people claiming the personal independent payment (PIP) benefit.
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PIP is aimed at supporting people suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition.
It's available to those over 16 and under the state pension age (which is currently 66).
PIP claimants can get up to £187.45 a week from the Government.
As well as the benefit itself, those on PIP can also get a range of perks and discounts like Blue Badge parking permits and reductions on council tax.
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They will be particularly helpful for families hoping to save over the half-term.
Here's a list of nine of them.
Disabled person's railcard
A disabled person's railcard can get you up to a third off rail fares.
On average it could save you about £126 a year, or £4.70 per journey, according to National Rail.
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For example, a train from Edinburgh to London would be slashed from about £62.90 to £41.85.
You can qualify for a Disabled Person's Railcard if you can prove you have a disability or receive a number of benefits, one of which is PIP.
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A one-year railcard costs £20 while a three-year one costs £53 (saving you £6).
Whether the railcard is worth it depends on how often you travel by train.
You can buy a railcard online .
Council tax discounts
If you claim the living or mobility part of PIP, you might be able to get a council tax discount.
The amount you can get off your bill depends on your personal circumstances and the level of PIP you receive.
You should contact your council to find out what discount you're entitled to.
They may ask to see your PIP award letter as proof so make sure you have it handy.
Benefit boost
Some benefits allow you to get top-ups, or what's called a disability premium.
But you'll need to be receiving one of the following along with PIP to be eligible for top-ups:
- Housing benefit
- Jobseeker's allowance
- Employment and support allowance
- Pension credit
You should get in touch with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you're not sure what you're entitled to.
You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter.
It's also worth knowing you may be entitled to attendance allowance if you've reached state pension age and you have health conditions.
Blue badge
Anyone with a disability that limits their ability to walk is eligible for a blue badge.
You can also get a blue badge if you're registered blind or have a disability in your arms.
The blue badge allows you to park in spaces that are typically closer to entrances and often larger for better accessibility.
Holders can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless there are loading or unloading restrictions.
You need to contact your local council to apply for a blue badge.
Your PIP award letter can be used in the application, although it's worth bearing in mind some councils may charge a fee.
The maximum fee is £10 in England and Northern Ireland and £20 in Scotland.
Free prescriptions
You may also qualify for free NHS prescriptions if you have a disability that makes you eligible for PIP.
However, this does depend on your specific medical condition.
You're automatically entitled to free prescriptions if you have illnesses including cancer, diabetes or epilepsy.
To get free prescriptions you will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate, which you can do by speaking to your doctor and requesting an FP92A form.
Discounted days out and memberships
Some attractions and entertainment venues offer discounts for people on certain benefits.
For example you might be able to get savings on activities like cinema trips, theatre performances, art gallery visits and theme parks.
The disability charity Scope has a helpful guide outlining some of the discounts available.
To learn more, visit their website at scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/free-discount-event-pa.
Capped water bills
You may be able to get support with paying bills through your water supplier.
The WaterSure scheme helps customers who may struggle to pay their bills, such as those receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP.
To qualify you must either have a water meter installed or have applied for one, and demonstrate a high water usage need.
This might be if someone in your household has a medical condition that requires significant water consumption.
Not everyone will be eligible for the scheme so you should contact your water supplier for further details.
Vehicle tax reduction
People receiving the standard rate mobility component of PIP can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax.
The tax is a fee you must pay to legally use your car on public roads.
It can cost as much as £2,355 a year depending on your car's fuel consumption and the type of fuel it uses.
That means a discount could save you more than £1,000 a year.
You may not have to pay vehicle tax at all if you're on the enhanced rate of PIP.
To qualify for the discount, the disabled person must have the vehicle registered in their name or their nominated driver's name.
To apply for the reduction, you’ll need to make a claim and include the following documents:
- A letter or statement from DWP that shows your PIP rate and the dates you're getting it
- The vehicle log book (V5C)
- A V10 form
- An original MOT or GVT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
- A cheque or payable order (made out to "DVLA, Swansea") for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle
- Send your application and documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF.
If you're applying for the first time you should be able to do this at your local Post Office branch.
Lease a vehicle with PIP cash
If you are awarded the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months remaining on your current allowance, you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.
The scheme gives you access to over 2,000 vehicles with insurance, tax, and servicing all included.
To find out how to join the scheme and explore the range of available vehicles, you can request an information pack from the Motability Scheme website.
Disabled Facilities Grant
You can apply for this grant if you're disabled and need to make changes to your home to suit your needs.
This may be if you need to widen doors and install ramps or rails.
Unfortunately the grants are not available in Scotland but you can get them in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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If you live in Wales you can get up to £36,000 worth of support, £30,000 in England and up to £25,000 in Northern Ireland.
You will need to apply through your local council, which will give you a decision within six months.
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