PIP: All the other benefits you are entitled to when you claim | Personal Finance | Finance
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Three million people in the UK are awarded PIP and it is considered one of the most useful benefits given out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This is because getting it does not depend on having paid enough in National Insurance contributions, it is not means-tested nor is it based on a person’s savings or income. PIP can also act as a passport benefit as if a person claims it, they may be entitled to claim other areas of financial support.
The DWP guidance states: “Entitlement to PIP provides a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance, and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge scheme.”
Depending on what level of PIP a person gets, they may be eligible for “top-ups” on things like Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit.
These are referred to as “premiums”, and some, like the Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit, are only given if a person gets the PIP daily living component.
Carer’s Allowance may be available to someone who looks after a person who is claiming the daily living component of PIP.
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The carer must be providing care for 35 hours per week and they must earn less than £132 per week. Carer’s Allowance gives the carer an extra £69.70 per week.
Those who claim PIP can also claim the Severe Disability Premium if they fit certain criteria. This is an extra £69.40 per week for each person who qualifies.
However, people can’t get the Severe Disability Premium included in their benefits if someone claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after them.
In some circumstances, a person can be entitled to a special discount on their council tax.
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The PIP standard rate mobility will also give a person a 50 percent road tax discount, while the enhanced rate mobility gives someone a 100 percent discount.
People claiming the mobility award for PIP can also be eligible for the Blue Badge Scheme.
People can also apply for a badge if they care for a child with a health condition that affects their mobility.
People also don’t need to be able to drive to apply for a Blue Badge,
If a person ever travels by public transport, they will be pleased to hear that PIP qualifies them for a third off most rail fares with a Disabled Person’s Railcard.
Anyone with a disability can book assistance when they travel, so they can enjoy the journey worry-free.
Some councils also offer free local bus travel, too, but people will need to get in touch with their local council directly to find out what they offer.
People will usually need their PIP award letter before they can apply for any extra help.
This is often referred to as a “PIP award notice” and is sent when the DWP has made a decision about a person’s PIP claim.
PIP is made up of two parts which are called “components” and consist of the “daily living” component and the “mobility component”.
The daily living component is for extra help with everyday tasks such as preparing food, washing, getting dressed or communicating with other people.
The mobility component is for the extra help people may need for getting around and includes things such as moving, planning a journey or following a route.
The standard weekly rate currently sits at £61.85 for the daily living component and at £24.45 for the mobility.
The enhanced weekly rate sits at £92.40 for daily living and £64.50 for mobility.
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