Latest news with #LCWRA
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Full list of freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £40,000 if you're on PIP
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of people claiming the personal independent payment (PIP) can get access to a range of freebies and discounts this month. PIP is a payment that is given to people with a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition to help with their extra living costs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Millions of people who receive PIP can get freebies and discounts this month Credit: Getty The payment is worth up to £187.45 a week and the money is paid once a month. To claim it you need to be over the age of 16 but under the state pension age, which is currently 66. You also need to have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living, mobility or both for at least three months. PIP is made up of two parts and whether you can claim one or both of these depends on how much your condition impacts you. The daily living part is given to people who need help with everyday tasks. The weekly rate for this is either £73.90 or £110.40. Meanwhile, the mobility part is for people who need help getting around. On this part the weekly rate is either £29.20 or £77.05 - and you could get both elements. In addition to the benefit payments, if you claim PIP then you can also get a range of additional perks and discounts, such as a Blue Badge or capped water bills. Here we reveal a full list of benefits you can claim this month. Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence Blue badge If you receive PIP then you are automatically eligible for a blue badge if you either: Scored eight points or more in the 'moving around' part of your PIP assessment. Scored ten points in the 'planning and following journeys' section of your PIP assessment and were put in category 'E'. This means your stress, anxiety or other mental health issues stop you from leaving the house. You should be able to find this information on your PIP decision letter. But you can still get a badge if you have long-term problems walking or going to places, including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. What is PIP? HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP). The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £172.75 a week. PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66. Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around - or both- for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live). You can also claim PIP if you're in or out of work and if you're already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit. PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you. You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £26.90 or £71. While on the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £68.10 or £101.75 - and you could get both elements, so up to £172.75 in total. You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment. Make a claim by calling the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222. You are also eligible if you have severe problems using both arms. You need to contact your local council to apply for a Blue Badge. You can use your PIP award letter to apply but some councils may charge you a fee. The most you can be charged in England is £10 and £20 in Scotland. It is free in Wales. Once you receive the badge you can use car parking spaces that are closer to entrances and may be larger. You can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, unless there are loading or unloading restrictions. Discounted days out If you receive PIP then you could get discounts on days out and memberships. You may be able to save on cinemas, theatres, theme parks and zoos. The charity Scope has a guide outlining some of the discounts on offer. To find out more visit If you have a carer then you may also be able to get two for one tickets to hundreds of attractions. For example, your carer may be entitled to discounted or free entry to National Trust and English Heritage properties. Similarly, the UK Cinema Association offers CEA cards that will give your carer a free ticket at participating cinemas. All Merlin Entertainment attractions also offer one complimentary pass per disabled person. Buying a Merlin Annual Pass will get you a free Carer Pass which can be used by anyone assisting you on the day. Benefit top-ups If you receive certain benefits then you may be able to get a top-up, which is called a disability premium. To be eligible you will need to receive one of the following along with PIP: Housing benefit Jobseeker's allowance Employment and support allowance Pension credit - but only if you get the PIP daily living component You should contact the office that is in charge of your benefits. Tell them that you get PIP and ask them what other help you can get. You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter. They should be able to tell you how much extra you will get. Vehicle tax reduction If you claim the standard rate mobility part of PIP then you can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax. Vehicle tax, also known as road tax, is a fee you need to pay to use your car on public roads. To qualify for a discount the vehicle must be registered in the disabled person's name or their nominated driver's name. To apply for a reduction you will need to make claim and provide the following documents: A letter or statement from the Department for Work and Pensions that shows your PIP rate and the dates you're getting it. The vehicle log book (V5C). A V10 form. Evidence of a current MOT, if you need one. For example, this could be a copy of your vehicle's MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one. A cheque or payable order (made out to 'DVLA, Swansea') for 50% of the full rate of car tax for the vehicle. You should send your application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF. If you are on the enhanced rate of PIP then you could qualify for a complete exemption from vehicle tax. If you are applying for the first time, you need to visit your nearest Post Office branch. You can find your nearest branch at or call 0345 722 3344. Lease a vehicle If you are awarded the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months left on your current allowance, you may be able to join the Motability Scheme. Through the scheme you can use your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle. The scheme will cover your insurance, servicing and breakdown. For more information about joining the scheme and to explore the range of available vehicles, you can request an information pack from the Motability Scheme website. Disabled Facilities Grant You may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if you are disabled and want to make changes to your home to suit your needs. For example, you may want to build an extension or install ramps. The exact amount you could get depends on where you live. How to cut your bills IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red. Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the website but you'll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you're on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying. Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you're using. To check if it's finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water's free ater meter calculator. Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it's ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills. Hire purchase: If you're struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this. Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available. Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don't wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider. Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements. County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000). TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate. If you live in England then you could get up to £30,000, while those who live in Wales could get £36,000 and up to £25,000 in Northern Ireland. You will need to apply through your local council, which must give you a decision within six months. Free prescriptions If your disability means that you are eligible for PIP then you may also be able to get free NHS prescriptions. Whether you are eligible will depend on your specific medical condition. Certain illnesses such as epilepsy and diabetes automatically entitle you to free prescriptions. To get them you will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate, which is a card that fits in your wallet. To apply visit your doctor and request an FP92A form. Your doctor should be able to help you with the process. Disabled person's railcard People who receive PIP may be able to save a third on train travel with a Disabled Persons Railcard. The card costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years. On average it could save you up to £126 but the exact amount will depend on how often you travel by train. To apply visit You will need a copy of your award letter showing that you have received PIP in the past 12 months. Water bills Some water suppliers provide help for customers who receive certain benefits, such as PIP, through their WaterSure scheme. To qualify you need to have a water meter and need to use a lot of water due to a medical condition. The scheme works by capping your bills and does not impact your credit score. The cap depends on where you live. For example, Severn Trent will cap your fresh water bill at £321.23 a year, while for sewerage it is £234.66. This means in total you would pay up to £555.89 a year. Who is eligible for the scheme varies depending on your supplier, so check directly with them to see if you qualify. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
DWP plans could see thousands of Universal Credit claimants lose almost £100 a week
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has proposed new plans that could result in thousands of Universal Credit claimants losing nearly £100 each week. Disability Rights UK is battling against government proposals to eliminate access to the health component of Universal Credit, now referred to as the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, for most adults aged 16-21. This would apply to those within this age bracket who claim the benefit independently. Campaigners argue that if the proposal is approved, almost 110,000 disabled young adults could lose nearly £100 each week, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Contact, a charity that assists families with disabled children, says that this could have a "devastating financial impact not only on disabled young adults who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), but also on many who are in education or low-paid employment". It further states that DWP plans push "disabled young adults and their families further away from employment prospects and further into poverty". The Green Paper recognises that the government needs to "consider what special provisions need to be put in place for those young people where engagement with work or training is not a realistic prospect". The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, stated in a speech on May 21: "Those with the most severe, life-long conditions that will never improve and who can never work will have their Universal Credit protected, including young people aged under 22." However, campaigners argue that the criteria for severe conditions have an "extremely high threshold". The proposed changes are set to take effect in the 2027/28 financial year. The Green Paper is also seeking views on extending Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to 18 year olds, rather than stopping it at 16, a move that has Contact's backing.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP plans could see thousands of Universal Credit claimants lose almost £100 a week
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has proposed new plans that could result in thousands of Universal Credit claimants losing nearly £100 each week. Disability Rights UK is battling against government proposals to eliminate access to the health component of Universal Credit, now referred to as the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, for most adults aged 16-21. This would apply to those within this age bracket who claim the benefit independently. Campaigners argue that if the proposal is approved, almost 110,000 disabled young adults could lose nearly £100 each week, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Contact, a charity that assists families with disabled children, says that this could have a "devastating financial impact not only on disabled young adults who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), but also on many who are in education or low-paid employment". It further states that DWP plans push "disabled young adults and their families further away from employment prospects and further into poverty". The Green Paper recognises that the government needs to "consider what special provisions need to be put in place for those young people where engagement with work or training is not a realistic prospect". The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, stated in a speech on May 21: "Those with the most severe, life-long conditions that will never improve and who can never work will have their Universal Credit protected, including young people aged under 22." However, campaigners argue that the criteria for severe conditions have an "extremely high threshold". The proposed changes are set to take effect in the 2027/28 financial year. The Green Paper is also seeking views on extending Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to 18 year olds, rather than stopping it at 16, a move that has Contact's backing. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP proposals could see Universal Credit claimants lose almost £100
The Government is consulting on plans to remove access to the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element of Universal Credit The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has proposed changes that could result in thousands of Universal Credit claimants losing nearly £100 each week. Disability Rights UK is battling against the government's plans to eliminate access to the health component of Universal Credit, currently referred to as the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, for most adults aged 16-21. This would apply to those within this age bracket who claim the benefit independently. Activists warn that if the proposal is approved, almost 110,000 disabled young adults could lose nearly £100 each week. Contact, a charity that assists families with disabled children, warns that this could have a "devastating financial impact not only on disabled young adults who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), but also on many who are in education or low-paid employment". It further states that DWP's plans push "disabled young adults and their families further away from employment prospects and further into poverty". The Green Paper recognises that the government needs to "consider what special provisions need to be put in place for those young people where engagement with work or training is not a realistic prospect". Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, stated in a speech on May 21: "Those with the most severe, life-long conditions that will never improve and who can never work will have their Universal Credit protected, including young people aged under 22". Campaigners have expressed concerns that the criteria for severe conditions possess an "extremely high threshold". The proposed changes are scheduled to be implemented in the financial year 2027/28, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Furthermore, the Green Paper is exploring the option of extending Disability Living Allowance (DLA) up to the age of 18 instead of the current cutoff at 16, a move that Contact is backing.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
PIP claimants who face losing benefits under new DWP rules
The Department for Work and Pensions has published an impact assessment on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility changes, with 370,000 existing claimants set to lose their entitlement Large numbers of people in Britain face losing benefits, according to bombshell Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates. Almost 370,000 existing claimants are likely to lose their daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) entitlement when their award is reassessed in the 2029-30 financial year, due to proposed eligibility rule changes. Furthermore, the impact assessment published in March suggests that an additional 430,000 future claimants will be denied disability benefits once the reforms take effect. That would result in an average annual loss of £4,500. In response to a query from Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins, minister for social security and disability Sir Stephen Timms shared the findings of an analysis conducted by the DWP. The analysis focused on PIP claimants with 18 of the most prevalent disabling conditions, which account for a significant proportion of PIP caseloads, and examined those who failed to score four points in at least one daily living activity. Sir Stephen stated: "A breakdown of the impact of the reforms on disability overall has been published as part of an Equality Analysis of the Spring Statement package of measures. "Data on the health conditions of Universal Credit claimants being placed in the LCWRA has been published and will continue to be taken into account in the future programme of analysis." He continued: "Analysis of those who do not score four points in at least one daily living activity for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has now been undertaken," reports the Daily Record. He highlighted that the findings "shows the volume of claimants with the 18 most common disabling conditions in receipt of the PIP daily living component in January 2025, as well as the volume and proportion of these claimants who were awarded less than four points in all 10 daily living activities." DWP's detailed breakdown reveals that while many sufferers manage with lesser awards, a significant chunk are scoring under four points for daily living tasks. DWP notes clarify that the health condition category relies on the primary health condition recorded on the PIP system as of the latest assessment, acknowledging the presence of multiple conditions but only analysing the primary one. The list beneath details the health conditions associated with PIP, tallying both the number of people receiving the PIP daily living component and those awarded fewer than four points across all daily living activities as of January 2025. Back Pain - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored fewer than 4 points Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored fewer than 4 points Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored fewer than 4 points Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored fewer than 4 points Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored fewer than 4 points Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored fewer than 4 points Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored fewer than 4 points All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored fewer than 4 points Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored fewer than 4 points Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored fewer than 4 points Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored fewer than 4 points Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored fewer than 4 points Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored fewer than 4 points Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored fewer than 4 points Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored fewer than 4 points ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored fewer than 4 points Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored fewer than 4 points Learning Disabilities - 188,000 claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored fewer than 4 points Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task, the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment The descriptors Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do. These are known as the descriptors. The health professional will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to you for each activity. The Citizen's Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response - you can view this here. An example they use is there are six descriptors for 'Dressing and undressing', ranging from 'Can dress and undress unaided' to 'Cannot dress or undress at all'. Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from 0 to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to carry out the daily living activities and the mobility activities will be assessed as if you were wearing or using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you normally use those aids or appliances. However, if you use or need aids and appliances, this can help you to score more points - find out more here. Citizens Advice explains: 'An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.' Daily living scores Citizens Advice explains to get the daily living component of PIP, you must have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to carry out some or all of the activities below. The maximum amount of PIP points that can be awarded for that question are shown. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 Points and payment rates After answering all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After answering all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP The latest DWP figures show that at the end of January there were 3.7 million PIP claimants across Great Britain. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has previously said more than 1,000 PIP claims are being awarded per day, making the argument for welfare reforms to ensure the system is sustainable for the future. The proposed changes will come into force in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Reforms also include increasing the number of face-to-face assessments. At present, most are being conducted remotely over the phone, by video call, or paper-based. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments, which will continue to be non-means-tested, and rise in-line with the September inflation rate. There will be no changes to the mobility component.
