By Hannah Ahmed
Those claiming personal independent payment benefit (PIP) could be entitled to a range of freebies and discounts this July. Individuals who can obtain PIP must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, and you have difficulties doing everyday tasks or getting around, the Government states. As well as this criteria, you must be between the age of 16 and below state pension age you may be entitled to the benefit, in addition to “expect[ing] the difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started.” Nine discounts and freebies those on PIP should be aware of, from council tax discounts to free prescriptions. You could get a council tax discount if you claim the living or mobility part of PIP, but it is important you contact your local authority to find out what you are entitled to, as you may have to still pay a small amount. It is possible your local council might ask to see your PIP award letter as proof, so ensure you have it with you. Your PIP award letter may be able to be used to apply for a Blue Badge, but some councils may still charge you a fee for it. In England and Northern Ireland, this works out at 拢10 and in Scotland, 拢20. Certain benefits such as those with a disability which limits their ability to walk, if you are registered blind or have disability in your arms, it is possible to apply for a Blue Badge. READ MORE: DWP Universal Credit and PIP update as MPs vote to pass major welfare cuts bill If you are on certain benefits, you could be eligible for disability premium, which is extra amounts of money on top of what you are already have. However, you will need to be receiving one of the below with your PIP payment to meet the criteria: Contacting the DWP can be helpful when going through this process, of if you are enquiring about what you may be entitled to, The Sun reported. If you currently receive the standard rate mobility component of PIP, worth 拢29.20 at the moment, you can get a 50 per cent reduction on your vehicle tax. This discount could mean saving thousands of pounds on your road tax, and to qualify the vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person or their nominated driver. In order to get the reduction, you must provide the following documentation alongside your claim: Send your application and documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF. Those who are on an enhanced rate of PIP could be entitled to a full exemption from the vehicle tax. If you are on PIP, you could also be entitled to free prescriptions on the NHS , but this heavily depends on your medical condition. Those who have illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and epilepsy automatically qualify, and to access this you must apply for a medical exemption certificate by speaking to your doctor and asking for an FP92A form. READ MORE: DWP issues PIP payments to people with obesity, acne and writer’s cramp If you are disabled and required modifications to your home made to aid you, this can be done through the Disables Facilities Grant. Varying amounts of money issued to the person depends on where you live in the UK, and you must apply for it through your local council. This can be useful if you need widened doorways or a ramp installed at your home. By contacting your local council and having your PIP award letter ready, you could get up to a third off rale fares with the railcard. Once you have obtained the information needed, you can apply for the railcard, which may give you huge savings if you are a regular traveller, on the National Rail website. The WaterSure scheme ensures some water suppliers provide assistance for those on certain benefits, so this could mean those on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP. To obtain this, you must have either already applied for a water meter or already have one installed, as well as being able to show there is a high water usage need. For example, if someone you live with has a health condition where water is significantly used, but it is crucial to be aware that not everyone will be able to access the scheme, so it is important you speak to your water supplier to see if you qualify. Those who are on the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months left on your current allowance may be able to join the Motability Scheme. This works by offering those eligible the chance to access over 2,000 vehicles with insurance, tax and servicing included within the package. By visiting the Motability Scheme, you can find out more information on the matter. If you claim PIP you may be eligible for discounts on a huge range of attractions and different memberships. Many brand offer reductions on tickets for cinemas or even theatre productions, but it doesn’t stop there as some transport services also have discounts for those on the benefit.