Extra money and help PIP entitles you to
This advice applies to Scotland. See advice for See advice for England, See advice for Northern Ireland, See advice for Wales
Changes to PIP in Scotland
A new benefit called Adult Disability Payment is replacing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland in 2022.
If you already get PIP
You'll keep getting PIP until you move over to Adult Disability Payment. Social Security Scotland will contact you to tell you when that will happen.
Find out more about changes to PIP on mygov.scot.
If you do not already get PIP
You can apply for Adult Disability Payment.
Find out more about Adult Disability Payment.
If you get PIP you may be entitled to extra money on top of your existing benefits, a reduction in your council tax or road tax bills and discounts on travel.
You’ll need your PIP award letter before you can apply for this extra help. This award letter is sometimes called a PIP award notice. It’s sent to you when the DWP has made a decision on your PIP claim.
Cost of Living Payments
The government gave people getting PIP a £150 Cost of Living Payment between 20 June and 4 July 2023.
To get this payment you must have either:
been getting PIP on 1 April 2023
applied for PIP by 1 April 2023 - you won't get the payment until your claim is successful
If you think you should have received a Cost of Living Payment, you can report a missing payment on GOV.UK.
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.
How to apply
To get your discount, contact your local 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.
How to apply
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
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 bus and long distance coach travel
be able to use the motability scheme if you get the enhanced PIP mobility rate.