People receiving PIP and other disability benefits could be missing out on additional resources that they’re eligible to receive. Many people claiming DWP payments aren’t aware of exactly what they’re entitled to, experts have announced.

PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is a type of disability benefit for those suffering to make ends meet who live with impairing conditions such as illness, disability, or mental health struggles. Depending on how much a disability impacts a person’s ability to work, payments can reach up to £749.80 in every four week payment.

Money Wellness’s external relations manager, Rebecca Lamb, explained that many people in receipt of disability benefits could be regularly losing out on additional support. She warned: “A lot of people on disability benefits miss out on support simply because they don’t know it exists.

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“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 Rebecca 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. Rebecca added: “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.”

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She urged people to ask for help if they are unsure, stating: “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.”

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