Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to include the latest discounts and grants available in 2024.
What does Personal Independence Payment (PIP) entitle you to? You could be surprised by what discounts, grants and freebies you can get. In this article, disability writer Shona Louise looks at some of the ways PIP can improve your life.
- What daily living and mobility PIP covers
- What PIP freebies are available in 2024?
- What PIP discounts am I eligible for?
- What grants can I get with PIP?
- Can I get a car with the Motability Scheme on enhanced rate PIP?
What daily living and mobility PIP covers
To be eligible for PIP, you need to be over 16-years-old and have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. You also need to live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, you’ll need to apply for an Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead of PIP.
The daily living part of PIP covers any extra help you need for everyday tasks. This includes dressing yourself, socialising, washing and cooking. The mobility part is for the extra help you need to get around. It looks at how far you can walk, if you need any mobility aids, and if you’re able to plan journeys on your own.
The level of PIP discounts and grants you get will depend on where you live and if you receive the Standard or Enhanced Rate of PIP.
The Standard Rate of the daily living PIP part is £72.65 a week and the Enhanced Rate is £108.55 a week. The Standard Rate of the mobility PIP part is £28.70 a week and the Enhanced Rate is £75.75 a week.
Find out more with this helpful guide on how PIP works.
What PIP freebies are available in 2024?
There are many free things you are entitled to if you receive PIP. These can include entertainment and leisure activities, like cinemas and theatres. You can use your PIP letter if you need to show proof of your disability for any of these activities.
Free PIP benefits to support you in everyday life
Benefit top-ups
PIP is not means tested like some other government benefits. This means you are able to claim no matter your income, working status, savings or whether you get other benefits.
You may be eligible for extra money on top of benefits depending on what level of PIP you get. These include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit and Pension Credit.
These are referred to as ‘premiums’ and will not affect the amount of PIP you get. They 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.
Bus pass
Some councils offer free local bus travel. You will need to receive the mobility component of PIP to apply for a disabled person’s bus pass. You might also be eligible for a companion bus pass, which gives your carer free travel too. You can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass on the UK government website.
Free prescriptions
If you receive PIP for a medical condition, then you might be able to get free NHS prescriptions. Common conditions that are eligible include diabetes and epilepsy. You can check if you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions and other services on the NHS website.
Free PIP benefits to help you have fun
Carer passes at Merlin attractions
All Merlin Entertainment Attractions offer one free carer ticket and a second at half price with a full paying guest. All you need to do is show proof of your disability. This can be a PIP letter dated within the past two years. Apply for a Ride Access Pass at least seven days before your visit to use their virtual queuing system.
Free tickets with a UK Cinema Association CEA Card
You can get a free ticket for a friend or loved one at eligible cinemas with a CEA card. It costs £6 to buy and lasts a year, using your PIP letter as proof of disability.
“It’s so easy to sign up for a CEA card using your PIP award letter. Any time you want to see a film, you just need to type in your card number online and book. Since getting my CEA card I’ve booked so many more cinema trips.”
Free carer entry at National Trust and English Heritage sites
The National Trust and English Heritage offer up to two carers free entry with an essential companion card. You can apply for a card by post, email or phone. Simply show the card upon arrival to gain free entry for your carers.
Free carer tickets when visiting the theatre
Theatres can offer discounts and free tickets if you need a person with you to visit. Many theatres now use the Access Card scheme, accepting your PIP award letter as proof.
“Using my PIP award letter as evidence means I can easily access discounted tickets. I have recently enjoyed seeing the musicals Frozen and Wicked, and do not have to worry about paying more just because I need someone with me.”
What PIP discounts am I eligible for?
There are many discounts available if you receive PIP. These can include parking and tax discounts. The size of discount you are entitled to will depend on the rate of PIP you get.
Blue Badge for parking
Qualifying for PIP may make you eligible for a Blue Badge to help with parking. A blue badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. They usually last for three years.
You qualify for a Blue Badge if you score eight points or more in the ‘moving around’ part of the PIP mobility assessment. Blue Badge holders may get free or discounted on-street parking.
“I truly would not be as independent as I am without my Blue Badge. The larger Blue Badge spaces make my life a lot easier when driving my Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV). My car is my independence, but without my Blue Badge I would be limited in where I could drive and park.”
Read this guide to learn more about qualifying for a Blue Badge.
Increased housing benefit
You can 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. If you think you might be eligible, contact your local council and ask what is available to you.
Reduced water bills
You may be eligible for help with paying your water bill if you receive PIP. If someone in your household has a disability and it means they use more water, the WaterSure Scheme can help. Support varies so get in touch with your water supplier to find out what they offer.
Council tax discount
Under some circumstances, your local council will give you a special discount on your council tax. For example, you may be eligible if you need extra space in your home for a wheelchair. The amount you get will depend on things like the rate of PIP you receive.
Find out how to contact your local council to see what they can do for you.
Road tax discount and toll roads
Depending on your PIP award, you could get a discount on road tax. The mobility Standard Rate will give you a 50% road tax discount, while the mobility enhanced rate gives you a 100% discount.
Some toll roads offer a concession or discount to people who get the enhanced rate mobility part of PIP. Take a look at the UK government website to see what tolls offer this concession.
Peace of mind with the Motability Scheme
When you lease a vehicle or mobility aid with the Motability Scheme, you get access to a worry-free package that includes insurance, servicing and maintenance, breakdown cover, road tax, and more.
The Scheme will arrange for your car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), and your scooter or powered wheelchair to be taxed each year if you live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
Find out more about the full lease package offered through the Scheme.
Discounted public transport
If you 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 have a worry-free journey.
“I renew my Disabled Person’s Railcard every year. Whether I’m travelling to London for work or a day out, my railcard helps keep travel more affordable for me.”
If you live in London and receive PIP, you could be eligible to use the Taxicard scheme. The scheme provides discounted taxi journeys for London residents who have mobility or visual impairments. The help you can get varies from borough to borough so get in touch with your local council to find out more.
If you do not have a car, read this guide on using public transport with a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair.
What grants can I get with PIP?
If you receive PIP, it could also 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.
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) also helps people make changes to their home such as installing a wet room or ramps. The amount of money you get depends on your income and savings. Children with a disability can get a grant without their parents’ income being taken into account. In England you can get up to £30,000, in Wales it’s £36,000 and in Northern Ireland it’s £25,000. DFGs are not available in Scotland. You can find out more on the Scottish government website.
Contact your local council to find out if you are eligible for a DFG and how to apply.
Can I get a car with the Motability Scheme on enhanced rate PIP?
“The Motability Scheme gives my WAV gives me control over my day and I am no longer limited by bus routes. The Scheme has helped to build my confidence and I’m saying “yes” to many more experiences now.”
Find out more about joining the Scheme
The Motability Scheme makes leasing a car an easy, hassle-free experience. With the Scheme, you can exchange part or all of your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new vehicle of your choice. Insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and maintenance are already arranged and included in the price you pay, so you can enjoy the freedom that comes with a worry-free lease.
- Learn about the types of vehicles available to lease on the Scheme
- Check if you’re eligible to join the Scheme
- Request a free information pack to learn more about the Scheme
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PIP: What if my circumstances change?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) explained: Eligibility, rates, reassessment and more
