PIP claimants may be eligible for discounted council tax

UK inflation dips as food and energy costs remain high

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Various ‘freebies’ and discounts are on offer to eligible Britons who claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which could make a significant difference to their outgoings. This includes a council tax reduction, which can normally add a sizeable figure to monthly bills, depending on where the person lives.

Council Tax is a form of local taxation, based on the value of someone’s property, that helps pay for services in the area, such as elderly care, rubbish collection, the police, and more.

However, people who are on a low income or claiming certain benefits, such as PIP, could be eligible to claim Council Tax Support, also known as Council Tax Reduction, to help them pay their council tax bill.

There is no specific amount of Council Tax Support someone may be entitled to, the rate is subject to the person’s circumstances and where they live. But, depending on the component of PIP a person might be claiming, they could be eligible for a discount of up to 100 percent.

Britons 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.

People can find out what their local authority might be by typing their postcode into this Government tool. 

But, this isn’t the only ‘freebie’ PIP claimants might be eligible for – here are 10 more to look into.

Disabled Person’s Railcard

Some PIP claimants 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.

WaterSure scheme

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

DON’T MISS: 
7 tips to utilise credit for good financial health in 2023 [INSIGHT]
Four ways to reuse wrapping paper that can’t be recycled [EXPLAINED]
Brits are most likely to return coffee machines, shoes and tablets [ANALYSIS]

This means eligible households will not pay any more than the average metered bill for the area their water company deals with – which could save hundreds of pounds a month.

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.

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 claimants should contact them to find out who and how they might be able to receive it.

Blue Badge for parking

People with disabilities can apply for the Blue Badge Scheme, which allows them to park closer to their destinations. The badge 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 the person’s local council will decide how the fee is to be paid. People can apply using the Government website tool.

Motability scheme

Those claiming the enhanced rate of PIP might be eligible to apply for 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.

Free NHS prescriptions

Depending on what medical condition a PIP claimant may have, they could be entitled to free NHS prescriptions.

People eligible for this can also often pick up free medication at pharmacies for minor illnesses, such as colds, coughs, eczema, and head lice, through the NHS minor ailments scheme.

The minor ailments scheme is widely available across Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, but only in selected pharmacies across England. However, the medicines covered by the scheme can also be different depending on where the person lives, so people should talk to their local pharmacy to find out what they offer.

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 their 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 also includes the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which boosted the figure of potential payments up to a range between £250 to £600 instead. So far, the DWP has reported that more than 99 percent of payments have been paid for this winter.

However, it notes that pensioners who have not yet received their payment should not be concerned, as payments are continuing into January.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

People who claim PIP could also be entitled to benefit from 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 receive either 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 the mobility component of the benefit.

Claimants who receive the standard rate of the mobility component could be entitled to 50 percent off, while those who receive the enhanced rate can be entitled to a full price discount.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Disabled benefit 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.

Source: Read Full Article