Extra Support for PIP Claimants :: Citizens Advice Medway

Check when you’ll get a Cost of Living Payment

The government will give everyone getting PIP a £150 Cost of Living Payment in September 2022.

To get this payment you must have either:

been getting PIP on 25 May 2022
applied for PIP by 25 May 2022 - you won't get the payment until your claim is successful

Benefit top-ups

You may get a top-up (called a premium) on the following benefits if you get PIP:

Housing Benefit
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
Employment and Support Allowance - but only if you get the PIP daily living component
Pension Credit - but only if you get the PIP daily living component

How to apply

Contact the office in charge of your benefits, tell them you’re getting PIP and ask them what other help this entitles you to. You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter. They can also tell you how much extra you’ll get.

Getting a disability premium will not reduce your PIP or any of your other benefits so it’s always best to ask the DWP what extra you’re entitled to and apply for it.

It’s always a good idea to check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to.

Council tax discounts

If you get either the daily living or mobility component of PIP, you may get money off your council tax bill.

It’s hard to say exactly how much you’ll get off because it depends on things like the component and rate of PIP you’re getting. However, your council will be able to tell you.

To get your discount, contact Medway Council and tell them you’re getting PIP. You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter.

If you claim PIP for a child

If your child is getting PIP, is aged between 16 and 20 and is still in education or training, your Housing Benefit may increase.

You may also get money off your council tax bill. Your council will be able to tell you if you do.

To check if you can get this help, contact the office in charge of your Housing Benefit and your local council and tell them your child is getting PIP. They’ll also be able to tell you how much the increase or discount will be.

Travel support

When you get your PIP award letter, you can apply for a:

Disabled Person’s Railcard - up to a third off most rail fare
Blue Badge in England and Wales
vehicle tax discount of 50% - if you get the standard PIP mobility rate
vehicle tax discount of 100% - if you get the enhanced PIP mobility rate

You may also:

qualify for free local bus travel in England and Wales - but contact your local council to find out more
be able to use the motability scheme if you get the enhanced PIP mobility rate