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Benefits experts have warned many people don’t know about the support they can get
People on PIP and other disability benefits may be losing out on extra support to which they’re entitled. Experts have warned that many people receiving DWP payments are simply unaware of the extra help available to them.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is a disability benefit provided to people to help meet the additional costs associated with living with an illness, disability or mental health condition. Payment rates vary depending on how severely your condition impacts you, reaching up to £749.80 every four-week payment cycle.
Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, warned that those receiving disability benefits frequently miss out on additional support that exists. She said: “A lot of people on disability benefits miss out on support simply because they don’t know it exists.
“Many on PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance get letters full of jargon and aren’t told about linked benefits, so they assume they won’t qualify or just don’t spot the information. That can mean hundreds of pounds a year going unclaimed.”
Discounts scheme
One programme you might be unaware of is the Disabled Persons Railcard. The eligibility rules for this have recently broadened.
The railcard provides a third off railway fares for the cardholder and an accompanying adult. Cardholders save an average of £126 annually, or £4.70 per trip. The price stands at £20 for a one-year railcard, or £54 for three years, which equates to £18 annually.
Even before the recent changes, people receiving numerous disability benefits were eligible. This includes those claiming PIP, Adult Disability Payment in Scotland, Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment.
The railcard is also available if you’re in receipt of Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment. Yet Ms Lamb fears that many claimants remain unaware they can access the travel discount card.
She explained: “Lots of people don’t realise they’re eligible. Now that the scheme is expanding to include Blue Badge holders and people medically unable to drive, even more could benefit. But only if they know about it.”
Reminders on benefit letters
She discussed how efforts to boost awareness of these programmes could be stepped up. Ms Lamb said: “Simple reminders on benefit letters, GP surgeries, or council bulletins could make a big difference.
“People can also use online benefit checkers – like ours – which show everything they’re entitled to in one place. It’s not just the railcard. Support with council tax, energy bills, bus passes, and Blue Badge parking can really add up and make day-to-day life easier.”
She urged people to ask for help if they are unsure. Ms Lamb said: “Many of these schemes are overlooked, and better signposting would definitely help when benefits are awarded. If someone isn’t sure what they qualify for, the best thing to do is ask. Even small amounts of extra support can make a real difference in daily life.”
