10 Everyday PIP Freebies for Disabled People

If you claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP), you may be able to access extra help that makes everyday life a little more affordable. Here are some useful freebies, discounts and concessions worth checking out.

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Some schemes are open to all disabled people, whether or not they receive PIP; others are only open to PIP recipients with specific mobility points on their award, or other conditions. Read through the article for full details about each 'freebie'.

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1. Disabled Persons Railcard

A Disabled Persons Railcard can help make train travel more affordable. If you receive PIP, you can usually apply. The card gives you a discount of 1/3 on eligible rail fares, and the same discount can also apply to one adult travelling with you.

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This can be especially useful if you rely on trains for hospital appointments, work, visiting family or getting out and about more independently.

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Eligibility note: PIP is one route to qualify, but the Railcard also accepts other evidence, such as a Blue Badge, disabled person’s bus pass or certain disability-related conditions. The railcard isn't free, costing £20 for one year or £54 for three years.

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2. Free Companion Tickets at the Cinema

The CEA Card allows eligible disabled people to book complimentary companion tickets online, so their carer or a companion can accompany them to participating cinemas without paying twice.

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This can be useful if you need support getting around the venue, communicating with staff, managing anxiety, using the facilities or enjoying the film safely.

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Eligibility note: This is not automatically available to everyone on PIP. You usually need to be aged 5 or over and need someone to accompany you because of the effect of your disability.

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3. Free or Discounted Bus Travel

Many disabled people can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass through their local council. Depending on where you live, this can give you free bus travel in your local area - just remember to check any exclusions.

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This can help with everyday journeys such as shopping, appointments, volunteering, social activities or visiting friends and family.

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Eligibility note: A bus pass is not automatically given to everyone who receives PIP. You normally need to meet your council’s disabled person’s bus pass criteria, and rules can also differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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4. Blue Badge Parking

A Blue Badge can help you park closer to where you need to go. This can make a big difference if walking is painful, exhausting, unsafe or difficult, or if you experience severe psychological distress when travelling.

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Blue Badges can be used in many on-street disabled parking bays and may allow parking in certain restricted areas, depending on local rules.

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Eligibility note: Some PIP claimants automatically qualify, but not everyone. Eligibility can depend on your mobility points or the reasons you find journeys difficult. Others may still be able to apply but will need to be assessed. Note that the blue badge itself is provided for free in Wales, but costs up to £10 in England and Northern Ireland and up to £20 in Scotland, depending on where you live.

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5. Vehicle Tax Reduction or Exemption

If you rely on a vehicle because of your disability, you may be able to get a reduction or exemption on vehicle tax. This can help lower the cost of staying independent, especially if you need a car for appointments, shopping, care needs or daily life.

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Eligibility note: This is linked to specific disability benefit mobility awards. For example, some people may qualify for a 50% reduction, while others may qualify for full exemption. It is not available to everyone who receives PIP.

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6. VAT-Free Disability Equipment

Some disability-related products can be bought without VAT, which can reduce the cost of essential equipment. This may include things like mobility aids, adjustable beds, specialist chairs, alarms, adapted bathrooms or other equipment designed to help with your disability.

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The supplier will usually ask you to complete a simple declaration confirming that the item is for your own personal or domestic use because of your disability.

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Eligibility note: This is not PIP-specific. It applies to people who are disabled or chronically sick and only covers eligible disability-related goods and services.

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7. Leisure Centre Concessions

Many councils, gyms and leisure centres offer discounted memberships, swimming, exercise classes or accessible sports sessions for disabled people. Some also allow a carer, personal assistant or companion to attend free of charge.

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This can be helpful if you want to improve mobility, manage pain, support your mental health or take part in social activities in an accessible setting.

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Eligibility note: These schemes are set locally, so the rules vary. PIP may be accepted as proof of disability, but each centre or council can decide its own policy. For example, Better leisure centres accepts the National Disability Card as one of its proofs of eligibility.

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8. Free Carer Entry at Attractions

Museums, zoos, theatres, theme parks, gardens and tourist attractions often offer free entry for a carer or companion accompanying a disabled visitor. This can make days out more affordable if you need someone with you for support.

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Some venues allow you to book a free companion ticket online, while others ask you to show evidence when you arrive.

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Eligibility note: Each attraction sets its own rules. Some venues don't require evidence of disability at all, while others may or may not accept your PIP letter alone. The National Disability Card is an excellent way to prove eligibility at 600+ participating locations.

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9. Library and Home Delivery Services

If you find it difficult to visit your local library, you may be able to access home delivery, mobile library services, audiobooks, large-print books, eBooks or longer borrowing times.

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This can be especially helpful if your condition makes travel difficult, if you are housebound, or if standard printed books are not accessible for you.

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Eligibility note: Library support is usually arranged through your local library service or council. Eligibility depends on local rules and your personal circumstances.

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10. Help with NHS Health Costs

Some disabled people may be able to get help with NHS-related costs, but this is not automatically available to everyone who claims PIP. Instead, eligibility usually depends on things like your income, age, where you live, whether you receive certain benefits, whether you are pregnant, or whether you have a qualifying medical condition.

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The help available can include free or reduced-cost NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses or contact lenses, travel to NHS appointments, and other support items.

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This can be especially useful if you have regular appointments, need ongoing dental care, use glasses, or have to travel often for hospital treatment. If you have already paid for treatment or travel, you may also be able to apply for a refund, depending on the rules and timing.

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Eligibility note: PIP alone does not usually qualify you for free NHS costs. Rules also vary across the UK. For example, NHS prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not automatically free for everyone in England.

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About the National Disability & Carers Card Scheme‍

If you receive PIP, you're eligible for the National Disability Card. The National Disability & Carers Card scheme was set up in 2019 by carers to make everyday life and access easier for people with disabilities and those who care for them. The scheme supports 250,000 card holders and provides easy-to-carry visual identification that helps users avoid repeatedly explaining their disability or caring role. The National Disability Card is accepted as proof of disability at 600+ venues across the UK and abroad. Apply for your card today.