PIP claimants could be eligible for council tax discount

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Millions of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could be entitled to a number of additional ‘freebies’, which could make a significant difference to the monthly budget. From capped water bills to discounted council tax, Britons are being urged to check what other support they’re entitled to as living costs continue to rise.

With inflationary figures hitting double digits of 11.1 percent in the year to November 2022, households are feeling the financial pinch.

Around 22 million Britons claim some combination of Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits to help with living costs, but many are still struggling to get by. However, there are a number of ways to receive extra financial help, that many may not be aware of.

The additional help is offered by the DWP and those already claiming certain benefits are eligible for the support.

PIP claimants are one of the groups that can be eligible, and here are 11 “freebies” and discounts people be entitled to receive.

Council tax

Britons claiming PIP may be entitled to a discount on council tax – up to 100 percent – depending on the component and rate of PIP the claimant is receiving.

People can apply if they own their home, rent, are unemployed or working, and it’s advised they contact their local authority to find out if they could be eligible and how much the bill will be reduced.

Free bus pass

Some claimants may be eligible for free local bus travel in England. The disabled person’s bus pass is distributed by local councils as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, and it’s advised claimants contact them to find out who can issue this.

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Blue Badge for parking

The Blue Badge scheme helps people with disabilities park closer to their destinations and costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. However, this support is currently free in Wales.

The badge lasts up to three years and how the fee is paid depends on the decision of the person’s local council. People can apply using the Government website tool.

Motability Scheme

Those who claim the enhanced PIP rate could be eligible to use the mobility scheme, which allows people to trade some or all of the enhanced mobility component of the benefit towards the cost of a vehicle.

Disabled Person’s Railcard

People may be eligible for a Disabled Person’s Railcard, which can grant a discount of a third off of train travel. The card costs £20 for one year of £54 for three years.

Winter Fuel Payment

PIP claimants born on or before September 26, 1955, could qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, which offers a one-off payment to help those of and over state pension age with heating bills.

Normally, and if eligible, pensioners can get between £100 to £300 depending on age and personal circumstances to put towards heating costs.

This year, the amount will also include the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, boosting the figure of potential payments up to a range between £250 to £600 instead. To find out more about the scheme, click here. 

Free prescriptions

Depending on the medical condition a PIP claimant may have, they could be entitled to free NHS prescriptions. If eligible, people can often get free medication at a pharmacy for minor illnesses, such as colds, coughs, eczema, and head lice, through the NHS minor ailments scheme, too.

Currently, the scheme is widely available across Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, but only in selected pharmacies across England.

The medicines covered by the scheme can also be different depending on where the person lives, so it’s suggested people talk to their local pharmacy about what they offer.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

People who claim PIP may also be eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which reduces a person’s energy bill by £150 for winter, between October 2022 and March 2023.

People may qualify if they either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.

Vehicle tax exemption

Vehicle tax exemption is available for PIP claimants who receive a mobility component of the benefit.

People who receive the standard rate of the mobility component can be entitled to 50 percent off, while those who receive the enhanced rate can be entitled to 100 percent off.

WaterSure scheme

Struggling PIP claimants may be eligible for the WaterSure scheme, which caps water bills for low-income customers on a meter.

This means eligible households will not pay any more than the average metered bill for the area their water company deals with – which could knock a few hundred pounds off the bill.

The scheme is more widely available for those on low-income related benefits, so it’s advised that those on disability benefits check with their water company to see if they’re offering it.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Disabled claimants in England could receive up to £30,000 a year if they need to make changes to their home, while claimants in Wales and Northern Ireland could eligible for grants up to £36,000 and £25,000, respectively.

The money can be used to pay for improvements such as installing a walk-in shower or a stairlift or adapting heating or lighting control systems for greater ease. To apply, claimants have to go through their local council.

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