Motability Scheme customer and friends

8 PIP Benefits: Discounts, Perks, and Grants You Get With Personal Independence Payments

What does the mobility allowance of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) entitle you to? You could be surprised that it’s more than just help with running your own car. If you’ve just received PIP, or been told that you could be eligible, it’s useful to know about the different ways that PIP can improve your life and the discounts you can get.

For more information about PIP, including current PIP rates and how to apply, visit our dedicated PIP section.

8 things you can get with PIP (Personal Independence Payment)

  1. Benefit top-ups
  2. Council tax discount
  3. Blue Badge for parking
  4. Increased housing benefit
  5. Road tax discounts and toll roads
  6. Discounted public transport
  7. Entertainment PIP discounts
  8. PIP Grants (for equipment, home adaptations and holidays/short breaks)

1. Benefit top-ups

Depending on what level of PIP you get, you may be eligible for ‘top-ups’ – essentially additional money – on things like Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit. These are referred to as ‘premiums’, and some, like the Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit, are only given if you get the PIP daily living component.

To find out if you could get benefit ‘premiums’, contact the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). They may ask to see a copy of your PIP award letter when you apply. Remember, getting these extra premiums won’t affect the amount of PIP that you get, so it’s worth finding out what you are entitled to.

2. Council tax discount

Motability Scheme customers browsing the Motability Scheme website on tablet

If you’re eligible for PIP, you might be able to claim a discount on council tax

Under some circumstances, your local council will give you a special discount on your council tax. The amount that they help you with depends on things like the rate of PIP you get, but you can find out how to contact your local council here to see what they can do for you.

3. Blue Badge for parking

Qualifying for PIP may make you eligible for a Blue Badge to help with parking. This is different to how it was with the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), so you should contact your local authority to find out if you can still access this benefit. Blue Badge holders may get free or discounted on-street parking.

Read our guide to learn more about qualifying for a Blue Badge

Motability Scheme customers dog walking

Your eligibility for things like Blue Badge parking and road tax discounts depends on different factors, so it’s important to contact relevant authorities to find out

4. Increased housing benefit

You can also get an increased rate of housing benefit if you receive PIP on behalf of a child who still lives at home. They must be aged between 16 and 20 and in training or education. Once again, you should contact your local council and ask what is available to you.

5. Road tax discount and toll roads 

Depending on your PIP award, you could get a discount on road tax.

The PIP Standard Rate mobility will give you a 50% road tax discount, while the Enhanced Rate mobility gives you a 100% discount, lowering the cost of independence even more. This is good to know, but we arrange road tax for Motability Scheme customers, so you don’t have to worry about those details at all!

For most toll roads and congestion schemes in the UK, a concession is offered to disabled people provided they meet certain criteria set by the operators. Some toll roads offer a concession or discount to people in receipt of the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment. To see which tolls offer this concession, read our article on toll roads.

Learn about how the Motability Scheme could provide you with a worry-free lease for a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair.

6. Discounted public transport

If you ever travel by public transport, you’ll be pleased to hear that PIP qualifies you (and a friend!) for a third off most rail fares with a Disabled Person’s Railcard. Anyone with a disability can book assistance when they travel, so you can enjoy the journey worry-free. Some councils offer free local bus travel, too, but you will need to get in touch with your local council directly to find out what they offer.

If you live in London, receiving PIP may mean you’re eligible to use the Taxicard scheme. The scheme provides subsidised taxi journeys for London residents who have serious mobility or visual impairments. The help you can receive varies from borough to borough so get in touch with your local council to find out more.

Take a look at some great accessibility apps to help you stay mobile

Read our top tips for using public transport with a scooter or wheelchair

7. Entertainment PIP discounts

Now for the fun stuff! There are many discounts available if you receive PIP. These can include entertainment and leisure activities, from swimming and gyms to cinemas. Many of these places will ask for proof that you are disabled; you can use your PIP letter in these places with confidence.

It’s always worth asking about how PIP can give your carer a discount, too. Both the National Trust and English Heritage will offer your carer free entry to their properties with an essential companion card, while the UK Cinema Association will issue you with a CEA card that gives your companion a free ticket at participating cinemas.

All Merlin Entertainment Attractions offer one complimentary pass per disabled person. The Merlin Annual Passholder and all individual attractions under the Merlin group offer one free carer ticket and a second carer ticket at half price for a full paying guest with a disability. All you need to do is show proof of your disability, which can be a PIP letter dated within the past two years.

Plus, you can get a discount on some accessible holidays if you’re on the Motability Scheme. You can find more information about discounted accessible holidays for Scheme customers here.

There are so many ways that your PIP eligibility can help you connect with the world, enjoy your life and feel more independent. Take the time to find out more – you might be surprised at how much you can save!

8. PIP Grants

If you receive PIP, you could get grants for things like equipment or adaptations for your home.

Equipment grants

If you receive PIP, it could give you access to grants for equipment. This can include:

  • mobility aids
  • assistive technology
  • household items

Turn2us has a grant checker to help you see what support is available in your local area.

Grants for adapting your home

If you need a small adaptation, the local council might be able to help. If it is a bigger project, like a wet room, you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). DFGs are also funded by your local council.

You can find out how to contact your local council here.

PIP: Frequently asked questions

How much grant money can I receive for adapting my home?

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is available to help disabled people make changes to their home such as installing a wet room or ramps. How much money you receive depends on household income and savings. However, disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parents’ income being taken into account. In England you can receive up to £30,000, in Wales it’s £36,000 and in Northern Ireland it’s £25,000. DFGs are not available in Scotland – find out how to get alternative support here.

Does PIP affect other benefits?

PIP is not means tested like some other government benefits. This means you are able to claim it regardless of your income, working status, savings or whether you’re in receipt of other benefits. Likewise, it means that receiving PIP will not affect any current benefits you get.

Does PIP affect universal credit?

You can claim Universal Credit alongside receiving PIP. If you have a joint Universal Credit claim with your partner, and they care for you for at least 35 hours a week, then PIP also enables you to receive a top-up payment.

PIP and the Motability Scheme

If you are in receipt of PIP, then you could be eligible to lease an affordable new car with the Motability Scheme. We help over 700,000 people across the UK stay mobile with our worry-free package.

Find out more about joining the Scheme:

Useful links

 

Related articles

Qualifying for a Blue Badge with Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP: What if my circumstances change?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) explained: Eligibility, rates, reassessment and more

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