PIP IS A DISABILITY BENEFIT, AND PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP WITH EVERYDAY TASKS DUE TO AN ILLNESS, DISABILITY OR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION COULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT. 12:49, 29 May 2025 If

you're a recipient of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it's crucial to be aware of the additional support you could potentially access. PIP is a disability benefit granted to

individuals requiring assistance with daily tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. Your eligibility is determined by how your condition impacts your life, rather

than simply having a specific illness or disability. The disability benefit offers a maximum weekly payment of £187.45 and is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

nearer to their destination. Applications for a Blue Badge can be made through your local council. While often free, some councils do impose a charge. If a fee is applicable, it typically

stands at £10. Eligibility requires you to have a disability that restricts your mobility and walking ability. Additionally, those who are registered blind can also obtain one. CAPPED WATER

BILLS Through the WaterSure Scheme, if you're a PIP claimant, you might be eligible for assistance with your water bill. To qualify, a member of your household must consume a

significant amount of water due to your medical condition. Eligibility criteria differ among water providers. It is advised to reach out directly to your utility company to understand what

assistance you may be able to receive. COUNCIL TAX REDUCTIONS Individuals receiving PIP (Personal Independence Payment) could qualify for a council tax reduction, with the criteria varying

by local council - It’s important to contact your local authority promptly to check if you are eligible for any support. Complete exemption from council tax is possible if you’re deemed

“severely mentally impaired” and living on your own. ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS FOR DISABILITY Those claiming PIP alongside other benefits could be entitled to further financial support known as a

disability premium. Qualifications hinge on being a recipient of specific benefits: * Housing Benefit * Jobseeker's Allowance * Employment and Support Allowance * Pension Credit There

are three different types of disability premiums: DISABILITY PREMIUM * £43.20 a week for a single person * £61.65 a week for a couple SEVERE DISABILITY PREMIUM * £82.90 a week for a single

person * £165.80 a week for a couple if you’re both eligible In some instances, couples may only qualify for a reduced weekly amount of £81.50. ENHANCED DISABILITY PREMIUM * £21.20 a week

for a single person * £30.25 a week for a couple if at least one of you is eligible FINANCIAL AID FOR HOME ADJUSTMENTS For disabled residents needing to adapt their home, such as widening

doorways or fitting ramps and handrails, one can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant. An assessment is necessary to verify eligibility. In England, grants can reach up to £30,000, while

it’s up to £36,000 in Wales and a maximum of £25,000 in Northern Ireland. Some local councils might even offer additional funds. Applications can be made through your local council, which is

obliged to provide a decision within six months. However, these grants are not accessible for households in Scotland. FREE PRESCRIPTIONS You might qualify for free NHS prescriptions by

obtaining a Medical Exemption Certificate if you have a specific medical condition and are claiming PIP. The NHS website lists the conditions that make you eligible for a medical exemption

card: * a permanent fistula (for example, caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance * a form of hypoadrenalism (for example,

Addison’s Disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential * diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism * diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone *

hypoparathyroidism * myasthenia gravis * myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement) * epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy * a continuing

physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person * cancer and are undergoing treatment for either cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer

treatment ASSISTANCE WITH A BRAND-NEW CAR If you've been granted the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP, you could qualify for assistance in leasing a car via the Motability

Scheme. This scheme allows you to allocate some or all of your PIP earnings towards the cost of a brand-new car. It can also include a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered

wheelchair. Insurance, tax and servicing are all covered. You can explore the scheme and the range of vehicles available on the Motability Scheme website. VEHICLE TAX REDUCTION If

you're receiving the standard rate mobility component of PIP, you can obtain a 50% reduction in vehicle tax. To avail this discount, the vehicle you're getting reduced tax on must

be registered in the name of the disabled person or their nominated driver. You can claim this discount when applying for vehicle tax. If you receive the mobility component at the enhanced

rate, you can apply for a full vehicle tax exemption instead - meaning you get a 100% discount. Article continues below TOLL ROADS AND TRAVEL DISCOUNTS The bulk of toll roads and congestion

schemes across the UK provide concessions for disabled individuals, including those in receipt of the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP. These discounts apply to river crossings,

bridges and tunnels. Those who are eligible for PIP can also obtain a Disabled Person's Bus Pass and a Disabled Person's Railcard. The bus pass is administered by local councils as

part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. For information on how to secure one, you can reach out to your local council. The railcard is priced at £20 annually or £54 for a

three-year period. It offers a third off rail fares with average annual savings estimated around £91.