Introduction
Are you receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and wondering what extra help you might be eligible for? This guide will walk you through the additional financial support, discounts, and benefits that can ease your living expenses while you navigate your PIP award. From council tax discounts to travel assistance, there are various ways to maximise your support. If you need help understanding your rights or resolving any legal issues, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to assist you. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK!
If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you might be eligible for additional financial support and discounts that can ease your living expenses. This guide will help you understand what benefits you can access with your PIP award.
Financial Support
When you have PIP, you may qualify for extra money on top of your current benefits. This could include:
- Cost of Living Payments: Recently, the government provided a £150 Cost of Living Payment to those receiving PIP between June 20 and July 4, 2023. To qualify for this payment, you needed to be receiving PIP as of April 1, 2023, or have applied for PIP by that date (you’ll receive the payment only if your claim is successful). If you believe you missed out on this payment, you can report it on GOV.UK.
- Benefit Top-Ups: Receiving PIP can also lead to top-ups (known as premiums) on various benefits, including:
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (only if you receive the daily living component of PIP)
- Pension Credit (also only if you receive the daily living component)
How to Apply for Extra Help
To find out what additional support you might be entitled to, reach out to the organization that manages your benefits. Inform them that you are receiving PIP, and they will guide you on what other assistance you can receive. You may need to provide a copy of your PIP award letter, which is sometimes referred to as a PIP award notice.
It’s important to note that receiving these additional benefits will not reduce your PIP or any other benefits you receive, so it’s always a good idea to explore all options available to you.
Discounts on Council Tax
If you receive either the daily living or mobility component of PIP, you may be eligible for a discount on your council tax bill. The amount of discount will vary based on the type and rate of PIP you are receiving, so it’s best to contact your local council for specific information.
How to Apply for Council Tax Discounts
To apply for a discount, simply reach out to your local council and inform them that you are receiving PIP. You might need to provide your PIP award letter as proof.
Support for Families
If your child is receiving PIP and is aged between 16 and 20 while still in education or training, you may see an increase in your Housing Benefit. Additionally, you could also qualify for a council tax discount. Again, check with your local council and the office managing your Housing Benefit to see what benefits you can access.
Travel Assistance
With your PIP award, you can also apply for various travel-related benefits, including:
- A Disabled Person’s Railcard which offers up to a third off most rail fares.
- A Blue Badge for parking in designated spots.
- A vehicle tax discount of 50% if you receive the standard PIP mobility rate, or 100% if you receive the enhanced mobility rate.
Additionally, you may qualify for free local bus travel in England and Wales (check with your local council for details) and have the option to use the Motability scheme if you receive the enhanced PIP mobility rate.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to ensure that you are claiming all the benefits available to you. Take the time to explore your options and reach out to the relevant organizations to maximize the support you can receive. If you have any questions or need assistance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. You deserve the easiest legal help in the UK!
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