PIP recipients can save thousands: 13 types of assistance in October.

According to The Sun: Millions of people, who receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), may get discounts and savings worth thousands of pounds this month.

This assistance is available to those with long-term illness or disabilities, and it also opens access to many additional benefits.

PIP is designed to help with daily living or improve mobility.

The scheme has two components: daily living and mobility, each with two levels of payment: standard and enhanced.

Current PIP weekly rates (2025/26):

• Daily living: £73.90 (standard) or £110.40 (enhanced)
• Mobility: £29.20 (standard) or £77.05 (enhanced)

You can apply for one or both parts, depending on your circumstances.

The maximum weekly payment – if you qualify for both components at the enhanced rate – is £187.45.

Upon receiving this payment, you gain access to a wide range of financial support, including discounts on council tax and savings on transport.

Here is a complete list of what you may qualify for in October:

1. Council tax discounts – save up to £2,280 a year

PIP recipients (daily living or mobility component) may qualify for a discount or exemption from council tax.

Eligible households can receive up to 100% discount on their council tax bill. The average council tax bill for a Class D property is £2,280.

Analysis conducted Policy in Practice shows that 2.57 million homes are missing out on an average of £1,286 in council tax support.

To apply, contact your local council (find yours at ) gov.uk/find-local-council) and provide your PIP award letter.

2. Vehicle tax exemption or discount – save up to £165 a year

PIP recipients can receive an exemption or discount on vehicle tax.

People with enhanced mobility qualify for full exemption from vehicle tax (valued at around £165 a year).

For standard mobility level, the car tax discount is 50% (saving around £80).

To apply, send your PIP award letter, vehicle registration document (V5C) and V10 form to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BF, or apply through local post.

3. Energy bill discount – save £150

The electricity discount scheme starts in October and offers a discount of £150.

The scheme is aimed at low-income households, including PIP recipients – however, you will also need to qualify for one of the following supports:

• Guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance based on income
• Housing Benefit
• Universal Credit
• ”Saving” part of Pension Credit

If you belong to any of these, your electricity supplier will automatically apply the discount to your bill.

If your supplier provides both electricity and gas, you may also receive a discount on your gas bill.

Contact your supplier for more information.

4. Blue Badge parking – save around £100 a year

If you receive PIP due to mobility needs, you can access Blue Badge parking, saving up to £100 annually on parking costs.

The Blue Badge allows for closer parking to entrances, access to dedicated disabled parking spaces, and parking on single or double yellow lines (with certain restrictions).

The charity for disabled people, Scope, estimates that holders save around £100 a year on parking costs.

Apply through your local council. The cost of the badge is up to £10 in England and Northern Ireland or £20 in Scotland.

Remember to submit your PIP award letter when applying.

5. Additional disability payments – worth up to £82.90 a week per person

PIP recipients may qualify for additional disability premiums when receiving other assistance, such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit.

These additional payments may include:

• Disability Premium: £43.20 (single) or £61.65 (couple).
• Severe Disability Premium: up to £82.90 a week per person.

To apply, contact the office handling your main benefit and request the addition of disability premium. Show your PIP award letter.

6. Working Tax Credit refunds – worth hundreds

If you applied for PIP before April 5, 2025, and are awaiting a decision, you may be eligible for a one-off Working Tax Credit refund.

HMRC allows successful claimants to receive payments they missed while waiting.

To apply, call HMRC at 0345 300 3900 (Relay UK: 18001 0345 300 3900). Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

7. Motability scheme – save over £1,200 a year

If you receive the enhanced mobility rate and have at least 12 months remaining on your PIP, you may lease a car, scooter, or electric chair through Motability.

The scheme covers vehicle tax, insurance, servicing, and breakdown assistance, totaling around £1,230 a year.

Visit motability.co.uk or call 0300 456 4566 for an information pack.

8. Disability card – save £126 a year

This card provides a one-third discount on train tickets across Britain. Regular users save around £126 a year.

The card costs £20 for adults or £14.50 for children ages 5 to 15.

Apply online at disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk or at major railway stations.

9. Free or discounted bus travel – savings up to £200 a year

Many councils offer free or discounted bus passes for PIP recipients, especially those with a mobility component.

Save varies based on local fares, but councils estimate average savings of £150–£200 each year.

Apply through your local council. In Scotland, apply for a national entitlement card.

10. Water bill support – save £150 a year

If you use more water due to a medical condition and receive PIP, you may qualify for WaterSure, which limits your bill.

This can save around £150 a year.

This offer is available in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (not in Scotland).

Contact your water supplier to learn more about WaterSure. You will need verification of your PIP and medical condition.

11. Disability grants – worth up to £36,000

Grants can help fund home improvements, such as ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms.

The amount you can receive varies depending on location:

• England: up to £30,000
• Wales: up to £36,000
• Northern Ireland: up to £25,000(Scotland runs a separate scheme through health and social care services.)

Contact your council's housing or social services. Usually, an assessment is carried out by a healthcare professional.

12. Free NHS prescriptions – save up to £114.50 a year

PIP alone does not qualify you for free prescriptions, but if your condition qualifies, you can receive a medical certificate for exemption.

Visit the NHS website to check your eligibility.

13. October holidays

PIP recipients have access to many discounts and offers on affordable holidays, including free tickets for companions.

PIP users are entitled to free companion tickets at Madame Tussauds, various cinemas (with a CEA card), and English Heritage sites.

Many theaters offer accessible programs, which may include discounts or free tickets for companions, thanks to the ATG Access Membership program.

The Merlin Ride Access Pass can be used at several Merlin attractions, including Thorpe Park and Chessington, providing fast-track access without queueing, and you will also receive a free ticket for a companion.

Note Cadw Wales, which offers free entry to 130 castles, abbeys, churches, chapels, and other historic sites through membership for disabled individuals, which includes free entry for companions.