Living with a disability or long-term health condition often comes with unavoidable extra costs. However, if you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you may be entitled to far more support than just monthly payments.

In this Purpl guide, we explain the freebies, discounts, exemptions, and additional benefits available to disabled people in the UK who receive PIP in 2026. Importantly, many of these entitlements are under claimed simply because people are unaware they exist.

As a result, understanding how PIP connects to transport, healthcare, home adaptations, travel, and everyday savings can make a meaningful difference to your financial wellbeing.

At a Glance

PIP is not means tested and can be claimed while working
Receiving PIP can unlock travel discounts, tax exemptions, and free services
Many benefits depend on how your condition affects you, not your diagnosis
PIP can be used to access Purpl Discounts, the UK’s disability discount platform
Different systems apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland

What Is PIP?
What Can You Get for Free with PIP in 2026?
PIP and Discounted Travel
PIP and Car Tax Reduction or Exemption
PIP and the Blue Badge Scheme
PIP and the Motability Scheme
PIP and Access to Work
PIP and Free Entry to Attractions
PIP and Free Prescriptions
PIP and VAT Exemptions
PIP and Medical Equipment
PIP and Disability Facilities Grants
PIP and Toll, Congestion and ULEZ Exemptions
PIP and Purpl Discounts
Purpl Tips & Insights About PIP
Purpl and Working with Disability Discounts

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK Government benefit that supports people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Rather than replacing income, PIP helps cover the extra daily living and mobility costs that arise because of disability.

Crucially, PIP focuses on functional impact, not diagnosis. Therefore, how your condition affects tasks like moving around, communicating, or managing daily life matters more than the medical label itself.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is a government benefit designed to support individuals who have long-term health conditions or disabilities. PIP benefit payments are there to help you cover the extra costs associated with managing these conditions.

Purpl Resources
Purpl Guide to Applying for PIP – a step by step guide to the PIP process.
Benefits Calculator – find out what benefits you might be entitled to receive.

What Can You Get for Free with PIP in 2025?

Once awarded PIP, many people become eligible for additional support automatically. As a result, PIP often acts as a gateway benefit, unlocking other schemes, concessions, and exemptions across the UK. You should never feel guilty for claiming help for your disability.

Below, we break down the most valuable PIP-linked benefits available in 2026.

PIP and Discounted Travel

Because travelling can be physically, mentally, and financially challenging, PIP often unlocks free or reduced-cost transport.

Your PIP award may entitle you to a number of different concessions to help you get around and maintain your independence.

Purpl Resources
Disabled Bus Pass – how to apply
Disabled RailCard – how to apply

1. Disabled Persons Bus Pass

Depending on your local council, you may be eligible for a free disabled bus pass, making it easier to get out and about to social events and health appointments. You will need to receive the mobility component of PIP in order to claim for this PIP discount and you may also be eligible to get a free companion bus pass if you require a carer to assist you. You need to apply through your local council for a disabled persons bus pass and the criteria my differ so it’s best to check directly to see how to apply.

England – how to apply for a disabled bus pass for England
Wales – how to apply for a disabled bus pass for Wales
Scotland – how to apply for a disabled bus pass in Scotland
Northern Ireland – how to apply for a disabled bus pass in Northern Ireland

2. Disabled Persons Railcard

If you receive PIP payments then you can apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard, which will give you a discount of up to 1/3 off train fares for both yourself and a companion. The disabled persons railcard also comes with additional benefits so if you travel by train frequently it’s worth taking a look at what else you can get.

3. London Freedom Pass

If you are disabled and are a resident in London you may qualify for a Freedom Pass, which allows free travel across all Transport for London (TfL) services, helping you get around without additional costs. To find out more about who is eligible or to apply for a disabled persons Freedom Pass please visit the Transport for London website.

4. Reduced Ferry Costs

Some ferry companies will give a reduction to disabled people who hold a blue badge or disabled bus and railcards. You will need to check the individual ferry operators website to see what they offer to disabled people and what their criteria is for taking advantage of their PIP benefit.

5. Reduced Coach Travel Costs

National Express have a Disabled Coachcard that gives you 1/3 off the price of coach tickets. The Disabled Coachcard is £15, plus £3 postage and packaging. When you book a ticket make sure you check the Coachcard box and don’t forget to carry your Coachcard with you whenever you travel, along with your ticket. It is worth noting that there are no reductions for carers, they would have to pay for a full price ticket.

Save 1/3 on Standard and Fully Flexible fares, even at peak times.
Enjoy £15 mid-week day returns on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

To apply, visit the National Express website

6. Subsidised Taxi Fares

Your local authority may offer help with taxi costs if you have a severe disability. However, the type of support varies depending on where you live, so it’s worth checking directly.

For example, in London this is called the TaxiCard — a subsidised service using Black Cabs and Private Hire Vehicles for people who can’t easily use public transport due to long-term mobility issues or severe visual impairments.

TaxiCard applications differ by borough, but you can visit the London Councils website for more information to find out more.

PIP and Car Tax Exemption

If you get the enhanced rate of PIP mobility, you may be fully exempt from vehicle tax. If you receive the standard rate, you could get 50% off — helping make car ownership more affordable.

Typically you claim for this when you apply for your vehicle tax.

You can read more about Car Tax Exemption and Reduction for Disabled People in our Purpl Guide.

PIP and Blue Badge Scheme

If you receive PIP you may be eligible to apply for a Blue Badge providing easier access to convenient parking spaces, often free of charge. This badge can make trips to busy city centres, shopping areas, or medical facilities much more manageable. If you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component for PIP you will automatically be eligible. For anyone on the standard rate you will need to meet the additional criteria to be eligible. Get more information on eligibility for blue badge.

You can also use a Blue Badge to join Purpl and gain access to our disabled discounts, just ensure you upload the photo side of your blue badge.

PIP and Motability Scheme

If you are disabled, receive the enhanced rate of PIP for mobility and have a minimum of 12 months left on your current award – it is worth noting that you are eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

It is possible to exchange part or all of the mobility component of PIP to get a vehicle to suit your needs. For example, this could be a brand new car, a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), a scooter or a powered wheelchair. Allowing you to achieve more independence and freedom – which can make a real difference to your disabled life.

The Motability Scheme provides access to thousands of cars – plus everything is included, except for fuel. As a result, those who join the scheme will save on car insurance, tax, servicing and any repairs, as well as enjoy the added benefit that the whole family can also use the car. Please note, that some cars won’t be insurable for adults under 25 years.

If you have a disabled child you may also be eligible to join the Motability scheme to help you get them out and about. Find out more information about the Motability Scheme for disabled people.

PIP and Access to Work Scheme

Access to Work is a government scheme that provides practical and financial support for disabled people facing barriers at work due to health conditions or impairments.

Access to Work funds equipment and adaptations to help disabled individuals perform their job effectively.

To qualify for the scheme, you’ll need to meet certain criteria. Our Purpl guide on applying for Access to Work explains who’s eligible and answers common questions.

PIP and Free Entry to Attractions

Some attractions and events will offer discounts for disabled people and/or a free carer / companion ticket.

Cinema – you can apply for a CEA Card to get a free carer/companion ticket every time they visit the cinema. For more information about CEA card please read our Purpl guide on how to apply for a CEA card. You can also use your CEA card to apply for Purpl Disabled Discounts.
National Trust / English Heritage – you can apply for an Essential Companion card to gain free entry for up to two carers. For out more about an Essential Companion card.
CADW – you can apply for a disabled persons card CDAW historic buildings and gardens in Wales. Apply for a CDAW disabled persons card.
Merlin Entertainment – apply for a Merlin Ride Access card or apply for a free companion carer card. Purpl members can also get 10% off an Access Card as well as discounts at Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland Windsor and Alton Towers. Plus there are also discounts for other Merlin attractions.

PIP and Free Prescriptions

Healthcare costs can add up quickly if you have a long-term health condition or a disability. If you receive PIP disability payments you can also be eligible to save on these extra costs depending on your disability type.

Disabled people are entitled to free NHS prescriptions, if they have one of the following specified health conditions:

You have a long-term physical disability needing assistance to leave home.
You have a permanent fistula requiring ongoing surgical dressing or an appliance.
You have diabetes (not diet-treated), hypoparathyroidism, myxoedema, hypopituitarism, Addison’s disease, or myasthenia gravis needing essential therapy.
You have epilepsy requiring ongoing anti-convulsive treatment.

Additional support may be available based on your household income and other circumstances. You can complete the questionnaire on the government website to determine what extra support you are eligible for.

PIP and VAT Exemption for Disabled People

Disabled individuals can benefit from VAT exemptions on specific goods and services, making essential items more affordable.

VAT exemptions apply to eligible products that assist with your disability, for example:

Mobility Aids: wheelchairs, scooters
Home Adaptations: stairlifts, ramps
Medical Equipment: adjustable beds, hoists, incontinence products

Please note: You cannot claim back after the purchase. So, it is important to check that the supplier has a VAT declaration form. You will need to complete the form before purchasing and then the supplier will remove the VAT from your order.

PIP and Medical Equipment

Most disabled individuals needing equipment to live more independently can obtain it for free from their local authority. To access these items, you must request a social care needs assessment for things like:

Bathroom aids
Wheelchairs
Mobility scooters

You can also purchase the equipment you need. Used items are often more affordable. Loans and hire-purchase agreements may provide faster access to equipment, however, they usually cost more than paying upfront.

Apply for a social care needs assessment.

PIP and Disability Facilities Grants

Depending on your income you may be eligible for a Disability Facilities Grant (DFG) alongside your PIP benefit payment. This grant comes from your local council to help fund essential home adaptations for better mobility and safety. To learn more or apply, check out our Purpl guide on the Disability Facilities Grant.

PIP and Toll Crossing Exemptions

Did you know disabled people may get discounted or free tolls at some UK river crossings, bridges, and tunnels? Many operators offer exemptions to make travel easier. However, you usually need to apply in advance. To learn more, check out our Purpl guide on Toll Crossing Savings for Disabled People.

PIP and London Congestion Charge Exemption

If you have a Blue Badge and are travelling around London – you are exempt from Congestion charges. You will need to apply for the 100% discount on the Congestion Charge. For more information, please visit the Transport of London website.

PIP and Low Emmission Zone Exemption

Some drivers and vehicles qualify for at least a temporary 100% discount from the Ultra Low Emission Zone charge (ULEZ). Others are entirely exempt. Many of these are only available during the ‘Grace Period’ which ends on 24th October 2027.

You may be exempt during the grace period if:

Your vehicle is registered in the ‘disabled tax class’ with the DVLA, meaning you get free or reduced car tax.
You have a WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) that doesn’t meet ULEZ standards but has been professionally converted for disabled access. To qualify, it must have one of the approved adaptations.
You receive certain disability benefits or meet the medical criteria for exemption. Check the full eligibility list on the Transport of London website.

The Disability Price Tag and Why Claiming PIP Matters

Living with a disability or long-term health condition comes with real, unavoidable extra costs. According to Scope’s latest Disability Price Tag research, disabled people in the UK face an average extra cost of £1,095 per month. These costs go far beyond healthcare and often include higher energy bills, transport, specialist equipment, mobility aids, therapies, clothing, food, and everyday essentials.

As a result, many disabled people spend significantly more just to maintain the same standard of living as non-disabled people. Importantly, these costs exist whether someone works, studies, cares for others, or lives independently.

This is exactly why people should never feel guilty about claiming PIP. Personal Independence Payment exists to help cover these additional costs, not to judge worth, effort, or contribution. Claiming PIP does not take support away from anyone else. Instead, it recognises that disability-related expenses are real, ongoing, and often invisible.

Purpl Tip: If you are budgeting carefully, cutting back, or going without because of disability-related costs, that is evidence of impact, not a reason to doubt your entitlement.

PIP and Purpl Discounts

“I launched Purpl because I know firsthand how expensive it is when you live with a disability. I want to help my community offset those costs through discounts and savings. Purpl is more than just discounts we give back to disabled charities and support disabled entrepreneurs. My long term mission is to launch a foundation one day, so we can give grants to those who need extra financial support.”

Purpl is a membership programme, we charge a small annual fee to ensure that we can cover our running costs and build a business that can truly make a difference. Everything we do is about the community and always will be.

How to Join Purpl

Anyone with a disability or long-term health condition recognised under the Equality Act 2010 can join Purpl. That includes both visible and hidden disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, and long-term illnesses that affect daily life.

OR you can join as a parent or carer on behalf of someone with a disability (as long as you have their permission). It is worth checking out our How to Join page which will take you through the process.

Purpl is here to help you save money to reduce the cost of living with a disability.

Fashion and Beauty: Purpl offers discounts and exclusive offers for clothing, shoes and accessories from your favourite brands. Offers include Debenhams, Pavers, Secret Sales and many more.
Utility Savings: Purpl has discounts and exclusive savings with Broadband Genie, Octopus Energy and more. Explore our utility disabled discounts today.
Food Offers: Purpl members can save money on groceries, including an exclusive 10% off Morrisons as well as discounts with Ocado, Iceland, and more. Explore our Food and Drink section for more disability discounts.
Accessibility Aids: Purpl offers an exclusive 20% off discount for first time orders with Eden Mobility as well as other discounts with brands like Cool Crutches and Mobility in Motion.

Purpl helps disabled people who receive PIP benefit payments find more ways to save. We are making everyday expenses more manageable and accessible with our disabled discounts.

More Tips for PIP Savings

To get the most out of your PIP entitlement, here are a few tips:

Research Your Local Council’s Benefits. Many local councils offer reduced entry fees for local events and free access to leisure centres for PIP recipients.
Always Ask About Concessions. Many attractions and stores offer discounts for PIP recipients, however they don’t always advertised this, so it’s always worth asking.

Join Purpl Today and Maximise Your Savings

If you’re looking to get the most out of your PIP benefits, Purpl is here to help. By joining Purpl, you can unlock exclusive discounts designed to support the disabled community, which in turn can make life more affordable.

Ready to start saving? Sign up with Purpl today with your PIP Award letter (other documents accepted) and access the incredible range of discounts available for the disabled community. Maximise your PIP benefits, take advantage of all the freebies available, and enjoy life with fewer financial constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PIP Benefits and Discounts

Can I work and still claim PIP?

Yes. PIP is not means tested, so you can work full time, part time, or be self-employed and still claim. Eligibility depends on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility, not your income or employment status.

Should I feel guilty about claiming PIP?

No. Claiming PIP is not taking money away from anyone else. According to Scope, disabled people face an average extra cost of £1,095 per month. PIP exists to help cover these real, unavoidable costs, many of which are invisible to others.

What extra benefits does PIP unlock?

Receiving PIP can unlock discounted or free travel, car tax reductions, Blue Badge parking, Motability vehicles, Access to Work support, free prescriptions for some conditions, VAT exemptions, and local council concessions. It can also be used to access Purpl Discounts.

Do I automatically get free travel if I receive PIP?

Not automatically. However, receiving the mobility component of PIP often makes you eligible to apply for a disabled bus pass, a Disabled Person’s Railcard, or a Freedom Pass in London. Each scheme has its own criteria and application process.

Can PIP help with the cost of running a car?

Yes. If you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component, you may qualify for 100% vehicle tax exemption. You may also be eligible for the Motability Scheme, Congestion Charge exemption, and ULEZ discounts or grace periods.

Does PIP cover the cost of disability equipment?

PIP itself is not paid for specific items. However, receiving PIP can help you access VAT exemptions, free equipment through social care assessments, or funding for adaptations through a Disability Facilities Grant.

Can I get free prescriptions if I receive PIP?

Not everyone who receives PIP gets free prescriptions automatically. However, some disabled people qualify based on specific long-term health conditions or physical disabilities. Additional help may also be available depending on income and circumstances. Free prescriptions and disability support

What’s the difference between PIP and disability benefits in Scotland?

In Scotland, PIP has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Child Disability Payment. While the criteria are similar, the application process and administration are handled by Social Security Scotland rather than the DWP.

Can I use my PIP award to join Purpl?

Yes. A PIP award letter is one of the accepted documents for joining Purpl. Once verified, members can access exclusive disability discounts on food, fashion, technology, home essentials, and more.

What if my condition fluctuates or is invisible?

You can still qualify for PIP. Many conditions fluctuate or are not visible, including mental health conditions, neurological conditions, chronic pain, fatigue-related illnesses, and neurodivergent conditions. What matters is the impact on your daily life over time, not how you appear on a good day.

About the Author

Georgina, founder of Purpl, smiling in a pink patterned dress against a pastel background. Beside her, a message highlights her commitment to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts while advocating for accessibility, financial support, and independence. | Purpl disabled discounts, accessibility savings UK.

Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts to help offset the additional costs of living with a disability.

As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.

Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation – providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.

She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband, son, three stepsons, two cats, and a friendly Labrador. A keen reader, Lego enthusiast, and family-focused person. Georgina is committed to building a supportive, inclusive community for those navigating life with a disability.

Follow @Purpldiscounts for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.