PIP claimants may be eligible for discounted council tax – and 10 other freebies | Personal Finance | Finance

Blue Badge for parking

People with disabilities can apply for the Blue Badge Scheme, which allows them to park closer to their destinations. The badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, however, this support is currently free in Wales.

The badge lasts up to three years and the person’s local council will decide how the fee is to be paid. People can apply using the Government website tool.

Motability scheme

Those claiming the enhanced rate of PIP might be eligible to apply for the mobility scheme, which allows people to trade some or all of the enhanced mobility component of the benefit towards the cost of a vehicle.

Free NHS prescriptions

Depending on what medical condition a PIP claimant may have, they could be entitled to free NHS prescriptions.

People eligible for this can also often pick up free medication at pharmacies for minor illnesses, such as colds, coughs, eczema, and head lice, through the NHS minor ailments scheme.

The minor ailments scheme is widely available across Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, but only in selected pharmacies across England. However, the medicines covered by the scheme can also be different depending on where the person lives, so people should talk to their local pharmacy to find out what they offer.

Winter Fuel Payment

PIP claimants born on or before September 26, 1955, could qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, which offers a one-off payment to help those of and over state pension age with their heating bills.

Normally, and if eligible, pensioners can get between £100 to £300 depending on age and personal circumstances to put towards heating costs.

This year, the amount also includes the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which boosted the figure of potential payments up to a range between £250 to £600 instead. So far, the DWP has reported that more than 99 percent of payments have been paid for this winter.

However, it notes that pensioners who have not yet received their payment should not be concerned, as payments are continuing into January.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

People who claim PIP could also be entitled to benefit from the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which reduces a person’s energy bill by £150 for winter, between October 2022 and March 2023.

People may qualify if they receive either the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.