Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed for individuals under State Pension age who need support with daily living costs due to a long-term health condition, disability, or illness. Alongside regular financial assistance, those receiving PIP may also qualify for a range of additional benefits, such as council tax reductions, free NHS prescriptions, and other concessions.

These extra forms of support are intended to ease healthcare costs and everyday living expenses, helping to make essential services and travel more affordable. Since people with disabilities often face additional challenges, these concessions provide valuable support where it’s needed most.

Below, we’ve outlined the various types of support available, how to apply, and the eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that receiving PIP does not automatically entitle you to all of these extras. In most cases, you’ll need to provide your PIP award letter or notification as proof when applying for discounts or concessions. After reading this article, you may have more questions about if you are eligible for any of the added benefits below or how to apply. Please get in touch with our team who can assist further.

Blue Badge

If you receive PIP, your award letter can be used to apply for a Blue Badge (also known as a disabled parking badge). Some councils may charge a small fee, but this is usually no more than £10. The badge is placed on your car’s windscreen.

A Blue Badge allows you to park closer to your destination by giving access to reserved disabled parking bays, which are usually wider and nearer to entrances. It also offers exemptions from certain parking rules, and in many places, you can park for free or at a reduced rate.

In some situations, Blue Badge holders can even park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, as long as there are no restrictions for loading or unloading.

To get a Blue Badge, you’ll need to show that your disability makes it hard for you to walk or move around.

Apply for or renew a blue badge here.

WaterSure Scheme

If you get PIP or DLA, you might be able to get help with your water bills through the WaterSure scheme.

This scheme is for households where someone has a medical condition that means they need to use extra water. You’ll also need to be on a water meter or have applied for one. Each water company has its own rules, so it’s best to contact your supplier to find out what support is available. If you don’t know who your water supplier is, you can look it up using your postcode on the Water.org.uk website.

Council Tax Discounts

If you receive the daily living or mobility component of PIP, you could be entitled to a Council Tax discount. The best way to check is by contacting your local council.

In some situations – such as being classed as severely mentally impaired—you may not have to pay Council Tax at all.

To apply, you’ll need a certificate from a medical professional, such as your GP, confirming the condition. You will also need to show proof that you receive certain qualifying benefits, which you can check with your local council.

If you are classed as severely mentally impaired and live alone, or if the other adults in your home are either also severely mentally impaired or are full-time students, you could receive a 100% discount on your Council Tax.

If everyone else in your household is disregarded (not counted when working out how many people live in a property. For example, students) for Council Tax purposes, a 50% discount may apply.

If you live with someone who is severely mentally impaired, you may get a 25% discount if there are no other adults in the home, or if everyone else living with you is disregarded.

Despite this support being available, millions of people miss out, and a large amount of Council Tax relief goes unclaimed every year.

When you apply, you may need to show your PIP award letter. The amount of discount varies based on your personal situation and the part of PIP you receive. Your local council can explain what’s available to you. You can find your local council by searching your postcode in the box provided here.

NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS)

If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). The scheme can help cover prescription charges, dental treatment, eye care, travel for NHS treatment, and the cost of wigs and fabric supports.

You can apply if your savings (excluding your home) are below £16,000, or £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home. Support also extends to your partner and any dependent children.

Depending on your income and circumstances, you could receive full help (HC2 certificate) or partial help (HC3 certificate). Full help is available if your weekly income is the same as or only slightly higher than your basic living costs. Partial help is available if your income is higher but still limited.

The rules are similar to those used for means-tested benefits, but housing and council tax costs are also considered, which may allow you to qualify even if you don’t get other benefits.

You can apply online through the NHS Business Services Authority website or by completing an HC1 form and posting it to the address on the form. HC1 forms are available online, at Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS hospitals, and from some doctors, dentists, or opticians.

If you already receive Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit (with the right criteria), you’re automatically entitled to full help and don’t need to apply.

For help with your application, call 0300 330 1343. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Certificates are usually valid for between 6 months and 5 years. You can find our more information on the NHS website – https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

Disabled Facilities Grant

If you’re living with a disability and your home needs adjustments to improve your comfort, mobility, or independence, you may be able to access support through a Disabled Facilities Grant.

This grant helps fund home adaptations that make everyday living easier. However, receiving PIP doesn’t automatically mean you’ll qualify – you must first undergo an assessment to determine whether you’re eligible.

The scheme is available in England and Wales, but not currently offered in Scotland. Grant amounts can vary based on your specific needs and the changes required.

Typical improvements that can be covered include:

• Creating level access with ramps or wider doorways
• Installing handrails, stairlifts, or accessible showers
• Lowering kitchen counters for easier use
• Adding ground-floor living spaces such as bedrooms or bathrooms
• Making heating and lighting controls easier to use

To apply, contact your local authority, who will guide you through the assessment and application steps. The process may differ slightly from region to region. To apply, get in touch with your local council and ask what you need to do. At this point, they should give you an application form.

Discounted Excursions

If you have a carer or support person, they may be eligible for free or discounted entry to various attractions and entertainment venues across the UK.

Many organisations offer complimentary admission for carers when they are accompanying someone with a disability. Some venues may have companion cards or similar schemes to make access easier, though these aren’t always required. This can often apply to cinemas, festivals, parks or zoos to mention a few examples.

In some cases, when purchasing an annual pass or membership, a free carer pass can also be requested. This pass can typically be used by any person assisting you on the day of your visit.

To make use of these offers, it is often the cast that you would be asked to provide evidence of a disability, such as a recent PIP award letter.

Free Prescriptions

If you have a long-term health condition and receive PIP, you might also be able to get your NHS prescriptions for free.

This support isn’t automatic, and only certain conditions qualify. These often include illnesses like cancer, epilepsy, or diabetes, as well as physical disabilities that make it difficult to go out without help.

To get free prescriptions, you’ll need to apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx). This acts as proof and must be shown when picking up medication.

You can check the full list of qualifying conditions and find out how to apply on the NHS Business Services Authority website. It’s also worth asking at your local pharmacy, as they can explain what’s available in your area and help with the process.

Vehicle Tax Reduction

If you receive the mobility component of PIP, you may be eligible for a reduction or full exemption on your vehicle tax (also known as road tax).

• At the standard rate, you can get 50% off your vehicle tax.
• At the enhanced rate, you may qualify for a 100% exemption.

This can lead to significant savings over time, especially if you drive regularly or own a higher-band vehicle.

To qualify, the vehicle must be registered either in your name or in the name of your nominated driver. The discount or exemption can be applied when taxing your vehicle.

If you’re applying for the first time, the process usually needs to be completed at a Post Office branch, where you’ll need to show proof of eligibility, such as your PIP award letter.

Travel Cost Discounts

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to reduced or free travel on public transport.

Many local councils offer a disabled bus pass which allows for free travel on local buses. The rules and availability can vary by area, so it’s a good idea to check directly with your local council to see what support they offer and how to apply.

If you travel by train, you might also benefit from a Disabled Person’s Railcard, which gives you up to a third off train fares. This can lead to meaningful savings over time, especially if you use the train regularly. The railcard is available to many people who receive PIP.

To apply for either scheme, you’ll usually need to provide evidence of your disability, such as your PIP award letter.

Toll roads

Across the UK, most toll roads and congestion charge schemes provide reduced rates or exemptions for people with disabilities. These concessions often apply to those receiving the enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Motability Scheme

If you’re receiving the enhanced mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months left on your award, you might qualify for the Motability Scheme.

This programme lets you exchange some or all of your mobility benefit to lease a new vehicle, such as a car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

As part of the lease, insurance, tax, servicing, and maintenance are usually covered, offering a simple and stress-free way to stay mobile. There’s a wide selection of vehicles available, giving you the flexibility to choose something that suits your needs.

Driving Lessons Support

If you’re a Motability Scheme customer or have a pending application, you may be eligible for help with driving lesson costs. To qualify, you must have a provisional licence and a valid theory test certificate, be receiving a means-tested benefit, or have received a grant from Motability to adapt your car’s driving controls and need lessons to use them.

You may be eligible for help with driving lessons if you are a disabled person who has either a current lease agreement with the Motability Scheme or a pending vehicle order expected to be delivered within four months. You must also hold a provisional driving licence and have passed your theory test. Customers with a full driving licence may also qualify if they need to learn how to use new driving controls fitted in a grant-funded vehicle.

To join the Motability Scheme, you must receive one of the following mobility-related disability benefits: the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the higher rate mobility component of the Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment, the enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment in Scotland, the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

In addition to meeting these criteria, you must also be receiving a Government-assessed means-tested benefit. These include Universal Credit, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or Reduction (or Rate Relief in Northern Ireland, excluding general discounts), Pension Guarantee Credit, or Working Tax Credit.

If you believe you qualify for a grant, call the Motability Foundation 0800 500 3186 and request to apply for a Driving Lessons Grant. You can read more infomaiton on their website – https://www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk/charitable-grants/access-to-mobility-grants/driving-lessons/