How to claim all the benefits if you're disabled (UK)

1. Medical Diagnosis Letter

• Make sure you have one from your doctor/neurologist.
• Take a photo or scan of it – you'll need it often.
• If diagnosed verbally, ask for a written diagnosis.

2. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

• Not means-tested; based on level of disability.
• Two parts: Mobility and Daily Living.
• Enhanced rates possible (correct May 2025).

• Apply here
• Keep a record of your answers – be honest and detailed.
• Use your Medical Diagnosis Letter.
• Scan and keep your PIP Decision Letter.

3. Blue Badge

• Applies to the person, not the car. So you can use the Blue Badge in other people’s cars.
• Grants parking privileges in many areas.
• Access to free parking in some car parks (such as hospitals, or some council run car parks).
• Wider spaces in pay-for car parks.
• Depending on the council, can include parking on double yellow lines (although not true in many cities, so check first).
• Not valid where there is a resident parking permit in operation, or if it’s a loading zone (vertical line crossing the double yellow lines).
• Much easier to get with a PIP award, especially for Mobility.
• Apply here

Vehicle Tax Exemption

• 100% Discount for vehicle tax if you get the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
• 50% Discount for vehicle tax if you get the PIP standard rate mobility component.
• Easy to apply for in a post office with your V5C and your PIP Decision Letter. It takes a couple of weeks before your new V5C is posted to your home.
• Other criteria apart from receiving PIP also can apply.
• Apply here

Congestion Charge (London)

• 100% discount if you have a Blue Badge.
• You can register up to two vehicles that you would normally use to travel within the Congestion Charge zone or through Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels. This could be your own vehicle, or one you travel in.
• Apply here

Bus Pass

• Free local bus travel (and off-peak national services).
• If you live outside London, it does not include London buses, tube or trams.
• If you live inside London, the Freedom Pass provides free travel on London's bus, tube, tram, and National Rail services, as well as free local bus travel across England.
• Use your PIP Decision Letter as proof.
• Apply here

Disabled Person’s Railcard

• ⅓ off rail fares for you and a companion.
• £20 per year or £54 for three years.
• An enhanced PIP for mobility will prove you can have this, but other criteria applies if you don't have that, so you can still apply.
• Check eligibility
• Typically, the railcard is stored in the Railcard app on your mobile phone.

CEA Card – Free Cinema Ticket for Companion

• Free ticket for a companion at participating cinemas.
• Being in receipt of a PIP will count as evidence, but there are other criteria.
• Apply here

25% Off Council Tax – If You Have Dementia

• You may be "disregarded" if you're severely mentally impaired.
• Applies with conditions like dementia (PDD, DLB, Alzheimer’s, etc).
• Assuming you live at home with your partner, and you have children in education (so they’re disregarded too), or the children have moved out, then your household will only have one person who is regarded (your partner).
• Larger discounts are possible if you live alone, or with a carer.
• Use your Medical Diagnosis Letter and PIP Decision Letter as proof that you're eligible.
• Start your application

NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

• A PPC could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions.
• The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.
• The prescription charge in England is £9.90 (correct June 2025). A PPC costs:

£32.05 for 3 months
£114.50 for 12 months

• There's no need to prove you are disabled. This is applicable to all.
• Apply here

Other Possible Benefits

Highly dependent on the level of disablement, income, savings, or equity.

• Attendance Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Carer's Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for under 16s
• Housing Benefit
• Disabled Facilities Grants
• Access to Work
• Motability Scheme
• More information on financial help - from GOV.UK

Benefits Calculators

• GOV.UK Benefits Calculator - This is very useful, and will signpost you to most services and benefits you can get from GOV.UK.
• Money Helper Benefits Calculator - This is also very useful, and will signpost you to most services and benefits you can get from many organisations, including local services.