Millions across the UK are feeling the strain of the ongoing cost of living crisis, with price hikes in everyday essentials such as energy, fuel and groceries.
Those who are claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be pleased to know however, that there are some 'freebies' available for the taking - which will help reduce the cost of their day to day lives.
The support ranges from the likes of free bus passes and council tax discounts, all the way through to winter fuel payments - with Yorkshire Live reporting that there are 11 in total to take advantage of. Here Chronicle Live breaks them down.
Read more: DWP: Five benefits set to be scrapped by 2024 in new Universal Credit rollout
Council Tax Discount
Nottinghamshire Live report that PIP claimants could be entitled to up to a 100 percent council tax discount depending on the component and rate of PIP the claimant is receiving. People are advised to check with their local authority whether they are eligible.
It can apply to anyone who owns a home, rents, is unemployed or working.
Free bus pass
Some older or disabled people could be eligible for a free local bus pass in England. Contact your local council to find out who issues disabled bus passes in your area.
Blue Badge for parking
The Blue Badge scheme helps you park closer to your destination if you’re disabled. It costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland but is 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 could cut down ticket cost by up to a third. The card costs £20 for one year of £54 for three years.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before September 26 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills.
The amount you’ll get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’ between £150 and £300. You’ll only get this extra amount in winter 2022 to 2023.
This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.
Free prescriptions
PIP claimants could be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, depending on the medical condition. 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.
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
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2022 to 2023 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October 2022 and March 2023.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out. 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
PIP claimants who receive a mobility component of the benefit can apply for vehicle tax exemption. 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
WaterSure is a scheme which helps some people with their water bills. To apply for the scheme, you must be on benefits and need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children.
You also need to be on a water meter or be waiting to have one installed. 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
You could get a grant from your council if you’re disabled and need to make changes to your home. For example if you:
- are physically disabled
- have a learning disability
- have age-related needs
- are autistic
- have a cognitive impairment, like dementia
- have a progressive condition, like motor neurone disease
- have a terminal illness
- have a mental health condition
You might need to:
- widen doors and install ramps or grab rails
- improve access to rooms and facilities, for example with a stairlift, or level access shower
- improve access to your garden
- build an extension, for example a downstairs bedroom
- provide a heating system suitable for your needs
- adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
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 be eligible for grants up to £36,000 and £25,000, respectively.
To apply, claimants have to go through their local council. A Disabled Facilities Grant won’t affect any benefits you get.
Read next:
- DWP Universal Credit Christmas boost set to arrive in bank accounts from next week
- Universal Credit, PIP, ESA and all other DWP benefit rises coming in 2023
-
The six changes PIP claimants don't need to report - and the ones you must disclose
-
DWP benefits you cannot claim when you reach State Pension age - full list
