Millions of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could be entitled to a range of freebies and discounts to help with living costs.

From free bus passes and NHS prescriptions to a £30,000 grant, the support varies, making it key for people to if there’s anything they may be able to benefit from.

As of July 2023, there were 3.1 million claimants entitled to the DWP’s PIP benefit in England and Wales, constituting a substantial group that may qualify for assistance

Disabled Facilities Grant

People who claim benefits for a disability in England could qualify for a grant of up to £30,000 to make changes to their home. Claimants in Wales and Northern Ireland could be 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, a stairlift, or widening doors and installing ramps and rails for greater ease.

The amount a person gets will depend on their circumstance, such as their household income and whether they have savings of over £6,000. Disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parents’ income being taken into account.

To apply, claimants have to go through their local council.

Free bus pass

PIP claimants may be entitled to receive free local bus travel in England. This is offered through the disabled person’s bus pass and is distributed by local councils as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

It is suggested that claimants contact their local council to find out who can issue them the pass.

Free NHS prescriptions

Depending on a PIP claimants’ medical condition, they could be entitled to free NHS prescriptions. With the charge per prescription item currently hitting £9.65, those who need multiple items regularly may be able to save a hefty sum.

If eligible, people can often get free medication at a pharmacy for minor illnesses, such as colds, coughs, and eczema, through the NHS minor ailments scheme, too.

The minor ailments scheme is currently widely available across Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, but only in selected pharmacies across England. The medicines included in the scheme can also vary depending on where the person lives, so people are urged to talk to their local pharmacy to find out what they offer.

For further clarification on their eligibility for free prescriptions, people can use the NHS tool that allows them to check – in three minutes – more accurately.

Vehicle tax exemption

PIP claimants who receive the mobility component of the benefit can also claim vehicle tax exemption, which can reduce the price by 50 percent to 100 percent.

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

People can claim the exemption when they apply for vehicle tax. Those claiming for their vehicle for the first time have to claim at a Post Office. This must be done every time they change their vehicle.

Council Tax reduction

PIP claimants may be entitled to receive a discount worth up to 100 percent on their Council Tax bill, depending on the component and rate of PIP they’re claiming.

People can apply whether they own their home, rent, are unemployed, or working. It’s recommended that they contact their local authority to determine eligibility and the extent of the bill reduction.

Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme is a parking permit designed to help people with disabilities access park closer to their destination. It costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, while claimants in Wales can currently get theirs for free.

The badge usually 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.

Disabled person’s railcard

PIP claimants may also qualify for a Disabled Person’s Railcard, offering a one-third discount on train travel.

The card costs £20 for one year of £54 for three years and people are estimated to make a saving of up to £91, based on the average savings made by cardholders between April 2021 and March 2022.

‌Discounted TV licence

People who are blind (severely sight impaired), or live with someone who is blind, could be entitled to a blind concession TV licence. This would reduce the annual fee from £159 to £79.50 for a colour TV licence and £26.75 for a black and white TV licence.

To claim, people must provide at least one of the following documents to confirm they are certified as blind:

• A CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment)
• A BD8 Certificate
• A certificate or document issued by a local authority that shows they are registered as blind (severely sight impaired)
• A copy of a certificate from an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon), stating that they are blind (severely sight impaired).

Those who are partially sight impaired will not qualify for the 50 percent blind concession.

PIP claimants aged 75 years or older receiving Pension Credit could be entitled to a full discount.