The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)’s tightening grip on disability benefits along with looming cuts poses a threat to the financial stability of 24% of Britons.
As a result, the perks and freebies available to PIP claimants could become a crucial lifeline for millions if they know they’re eligible.
Being disabled is believed to come with an additional annual cost of £12,120. Which the founder of Purpl, Georgina Colman, knows first-hand.
On Purpl, users can find discounts on a range of goods from transport to disability aids to gaming tech.
It’s estimated that the average disabled household stands to save about £118 monthly or £1,411 per year.
Some of the offers include a significant £50 energy credit from Octopus Energy and £100 off Betty & Bertie mobility scooters.
However, to enjoy these benefits, claimants need to present certain documents confirming their status, such as PIP and DLA award letters, disabled rail and bus passes, Attendance Allowance letters, as well as other specific cards and letters relating to disability and pensions.
Georgina, who lives with multiple sclerosis herself, said: “With the current talks about welfare support, disabled people may have even more financial pressure in the future. I hope that through Purpl, we can help disabled people with their everyday expenses so life is a little easier and more affordable.”
PIP, like Pension Credit, serves as a gateway benefit that qualifies individuals for an array of additional perks and discounts, such as Purpl.
These include the blue badge scheme, capped water bills, council tax reductions, disability premiums, disabled facilities grants, free prescriptions, toll discounts, days out discounts, and vehicle tax reduction.
While there are many ways to access these benefits, holding a PIP award certificate makes the application process simple.
Fully utilising these additional benefits could even potentially exceed the value of your DWP payments.
Come April, PIP will undergo changes with a 1.7% increase in line with other DWP benefits. At present, the minimum amount from PIP is £28.70 from the standard mobility component, set to rise to £29.20 per week.
The maximum claimable amount, combining the enhanced mobility and daily living rates, stands at £184.30. Next month, this will escalate to a total of £187.45.
