Unlock Your Financial Support If You Receive Personal Independence Payment
Receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is an essential lifeline for individuals living with a long-term disability or health condition. But what many don’t know is that a PIP award can also unlock a whole suite of other financial benefits and entitlements—support that could ease daily living costs, boost income, and improve your quality of life significantly.
If you’ve been wondering, “What other benefits can I claim with PIP?”, you’re not alone. Many people ask this very question and end up discovering help they never knew existed.
Let’s explore what you could be missing—and how to get it.
What Other Benefits Can I Claim with PIP?
The benefits linked to PIP don’t stop at monthly payments. Depending on your circumstances, PIP may make you eligible for additional financial support, including help with housing, council tax, travel, and energy bills. You may also unlock carer-related benefits, join the Motability Scheme, or access transport support like a Blue Badge.
Many of these entitlements are not widely advertised, so this article will break them down clearly and show you how real people across the UK are using them to improve their lives.
Can Someone Claim Carer’s Allowance for Looking After Me?
Yes—if you receive PIP, someone who provides you with regular care may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, even if they’re a friend or family member. They must care for you at least 35 hours a week and can receive £81.90 per week (as of 2025).
The carer does not need to live with you, and informal tasks like preparing meals, managing medication, or helping with mobility count as care. Even if your carer is on other benefits, they may still qualify through the Carer’s Element of Universal Credit, offering an alternative route to support.
Real insight:
“My daughter helped me daily, but I didn’t realise she could get any money for it. We applied for Carer’s Allowance once I got PIP, and now she’s supported too.” – Patricia, 68, Manchester
Just note: claiming Carer’s Allowance can impact the carer’s other benefits, so it’s best to get advice before applying.
Can PIP Increase My Universal Credit Payment?
Yes. If you’re receiving Universal Credit, a PIP award can significantly increase your monthly income. Most notably, it can make you eligible for the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, which adds around £416.19 per month to your UC payment.
You usually need to pass a work capability assessment to get LCWRA, but a PIP award—particularly at the enhanced rate—can exempt you from this process altogether. That means less stress, fewer appointments, and quicker access to the money you need.
Also, receiving PIP can help reassess other parts of your claim, such as childcare support or housing costs. If your circumstances have changed since getting PIP, it’s worth updating your UC journal.
Will Receiving PIP Help Me with My Rent or Housing Costs?
Yes, and it’s a big one. Whether you rent from a council, housing association, or private landlord, your PIP award could mean you qualify for more housing support. For example:
- You could become eligible for Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit
- You may be exempt from the Bedroom Tax if your property has adaptations or additional rooms due to your condition
- You could apply for Discretionary Housing Payments if your housing costs aren’t fully covered
These extra benefits can help ease rent arrears or pay for a move to a more suitable home. Always provide your PIP decision letter when applying—it shows proof of your condition and its impact.
Can I Get a Reduction or Exemption on My Council Tax?
Yes, receiving PIP—especially the daily living component—can entitle you to a Council Tax Reduction (CTR). This discount, managed by your local authority, varies based on your income, household makeup, and council policy, but in some cases, it could cut your bill by up to 100%.
If your home has been adapted for your disability (e.g. a stairlift, widened doorways), you may also qualify for a Disabled Band Reduction, meaning your council tax band is reduced by one level—even if you’re already in the lowest band.
Don’t forget to check whether carers, students, or those with severe mental impairments in your household might qualify for additional reductions.
How Can I Access Help with Travel, Transport, and Parking?
Your PIP award—especially the mobility component—opens the door to several helpful transport schemes.
Blue Badge Scheme
If you receive the enhanced mobility component, you’re automatically eligible for a Blue Badge, which allows:
- Parking in disabled bays closer to shops, hospitals, and services
- Exemption from many on-street parking charges
- Easier access to transport hubs and city centres
Even if you only receive the standard mobility rate, you can apply under discretionary criteria, based on how far you can walk and how your condition affects you.
Free or Discounted Bus Travel
Local councils offer the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, which grants free bus travel during off-peak hours. In some areas, this includes trams or local trains.
Taxi Card Schemes and Rail Discounts
In major UK cities, TaxiCard programmes offer subsidised taxi journeys for people who can’t easily use public transport. If you travel longer distances, the Disabled Person’s Railcard gives you and a companion 1/3 off rail fares—saving you hundreds a year if you travel often for appointments or social reasons.
Can I Join the Motability Scheme Through My PIP?
Yes, if you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component, you can exchange it to lease a car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.
This scheme includes:
- Insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover
- A new vehicle every three years (or five for scooters)
- Optional vehicle adaptations to suit your specific needs
There’s no credit check involved, and the process is usually smooth and well-supported by participating dealerships. For many, it’s a life-changing boost in independence and mobility.
Can PIP Help Me with Energy Bills?
Yes. Energy support schemes are often triggered by receiving certain benefits, including PIP. Here are the main ones:
Cold Weather Payment
If you also get income-related benefits (e.g. Pension Credit or Income Support), you may qualify for £25 per week during spells of freezing temperatures. This payment is made automatically.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
This one-off £150 discount is applied directly to your electricity bill (or gas if you use the same supplier). Some energy providers include PIP recipients in the “broader group,” so check with your supplier directly.
You may also qualify for other support, such as priority services registers, fuel vouchers from local councils, or targeted hardship funds.
Can I Get Full Council Tax Exemption Due to Mental Health?
Yes. If you or someone in your household is diagnosed with a severe mental impairment and receives qualifying benefits like PIP, you may be eligible for a full council tax exemption under the Severely Mentally Impaired (SMI) scheme.
This can apply whether the person lives alone or with others. If everyone in the home is “disregarded” for council tax purposes (e.g. all have SMI or are carers/students), the property may be completely exempt from paying council tax.
To apply, you’ll typically need:
- A letter from your GP or consultant confirming the diagnosis
- Evidence of receiving a qualifying benefit (like the daily living part of PIP)
- A short form from your local council
How Do I Apply for These Extra Benefits?
While your PIP award unlocks many entitlements, most of them aren’t automatic. You need to actively claim them. Here’s how to get started:
- Gather paperwork – Have your PIP award letter and National Insurance number ready.
- Contact your local council for council tax discounts, housing support, travel passes, and Blue Badge applications.
- Use benefits calculators – Websites like Turn2Us and EntitledTo can help identify what you’re missing.
- Get help from charities – Organisations like Citizens Advice, Scope, Disability Rights UK, and Age UK offer free support for filling out forms, understanding benefits, and appealing decisions.
Why Is It Important to Claim Everything You’re Entitled To?
Many people feel hesitant to claim extra support, but if you qualify, it’s because your situation warrants it. These benefits exist to level the playing field and improve lives.
Whether it’s help with rent, travel, energy bills, or a carer being supported, every extra bit of help matters—financially and emotionally.
Testimonial:
“I didn’t realise how many benefits are linked to PIP. Now my rent is covered, my son gets Carer’s Allowance, and I’ve got a Blue Badge. It’s taken a lot of pressure off us both.” – Paul, 52, Birmingham
Still Unsure What You Can Claim?
Start with your PIP award letter and work from there. Use benefits calculators, check your council’s website, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
If you’ve recently been awarded PIP, don’t stop there—see what else you’re eligible for and claim it.
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