Full list of DWP benefits and free cash you can claim with PIP
MILLIONS of people who suffer from health conditions can get financial help by applying for Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
But you may not know that there are other benefits you can claim at the same time.
PIP is worth up to £184.30 a week, or £9,583.60 a year, which can make a huge difference to your home.
Read on to find out how it works and if you can claim.
What is PIP?
PIP is a benefit which is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It is designed to help you cover day-to-day costs if you are suffering from a long-term health condition.
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You can claim it if you have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or mobility problems because of your condition.
You can claim it even if you are working, have savings or receive other benefits.
PIP is split into two parts and you can get both depending on your circumstances.
The daily living part is paid to people who need help with everyday tasks such as preparing food, using the toilet, washing, eating and drinking.
The mobility part is given to those who need help getting around, for example working out a route and following it, leaving your home or physically moving around.
You do not need to have a disability to claim the mobility part.
If you have a cognitive or mental health condition such as anxiety then you may also be eligible.
How much will I get?
The amount of money you receive will depend on how difficult you find everyday activities and getting around.
There is a lower and higher rate for both payments.
How can I cut my prescription costs?
THERE are ways to save money on prescriptions, and in some cases get them for free.
If you live in England, you can get free prescriptions if you're in one of the following groups:
- You're aged 60 or over
- You're aged under 16 or are 17 or 18 and in full-time education
- You're pregnant or had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate
- You have a specific medical condition and have valid medical exemption card
- You have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
- You hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
- You are an NHS inpatient
You can also get free prescriptions if you or your partner are claiming certain benefits, or if you're aged under 20 and dependent on someone claiming certain benefits, including:
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Pension credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
You won't always be eligible for free prescriptions if you are on Universal Credit, as it depends on your income.
You can also get free prescriptions if you are entitled to an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.
You qualify for one of these if you receive child tax credits or working tax credits (including a disability or severe disability element).
Those ineligible for free prescriptions can still make savings by purchasing a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
It's essentially a season ticket which you pay for once and you can use to cover any prescriptions you need for one year.
You can also get them to cover three months.
A one-year PPC costs £111.60, while a three-month PPC will set you back £31.25.
You can buy them on the NHS Business Services Authority's website or via a registered pharmacy.
The point at which you start saving money with the three-month PPC is after buying four or more prescriptions.
With the one-year PPC, you start making savings after 12 or more purchases.
So, if you need a lot of prescriptions every year, a PPC can definitely be worth your time.
The Daily living part has a lower rate of £72.65 a week and a higher weekly rate of £108.55.
Meanwhile, the mobility part has a lower rate of £28.70 and a higher weekly rate which is £75.75.
PIP payments are tax-free and the amount you will get is not affected by your income or savings.
Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account.
You will be assessed by a health professional to calculate the level of help you can receive and your rate is regularly reviewed to ensure you are getting the right support.
Can I claim other benefits while I get PIP?
You can get other benefits while receiving PIP.
These top-ups are known as a premium and you can only get them if you receive the following benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
You can also get Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit but only if you get the PIP daily living component.
You could get up to £42.50 a week in disability premiums for a single person or £60.60 for a couple.
If you are entitled to the severe disability premium you will get £81.50 a week for a single person or £163 a week as a couple.
Meanwhile, those who are entitled to the enhanced disability premium will get £20.85 a week for a single person or £29.75 for a couple if at least one of you is eligible.
To claim the top ups contact the office in charge of your benefits, tell them you receive PIP and ask them if there is any other help you are entitled to.
They should be able to tell you how much extra you will get.
You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter to prove you are receiving the benefit.
Receiving a disability premium will not reduce the amount of PIP or any other benefits you get.
It’s a good idea to ask the DWP what extra you are entitled to and how to apply for it.
If you get PIP then it will not affect the amount you get in Universal Credit.
What other freebies can I get on PIP?
There are several other discounts and exemptions you can get if you claim PIP, including free prescriptions and capped water bills.
You only need a PIP award letter to apply.
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If you claim PIP you could also get:
- A blue badge which will make you exempt from certain parking restrictions and will give you access to designated parking spaces.
- Capped water bills if you have a condition which requires you to use a lot of water. You will need to be on a water meter.
- Council tax discounts if you receive the daily living or mobility part of PIP.
- Disabled facilities grant which can help you to afford to make changes to your home which can make it easier to live in.
- Free prescriptions. Not all medical conditions qualify so check the NHS website for more information.
- Transport discounts including a free bus pass.
- Vehicle tax reduction which gives you a 50% reduction on any road tax you pay.
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