MILLIONS of people who suffer from health conditions can get financial help by applying for Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

But you may not know that there are other benefits you can claim at the same time.

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PIP is worth up to £184.30 a week, or £9,583.60 a year, which can make a huge difference to your home.

Read on to find out how it works and if you can claim.

What is PIP?

PIP is a benefit which is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

It is designed to help you cover day-to-day costs if you are suffering from a long-term health condition.

You can claim it if you have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or mobility problems because of your condition.

You can claim it even if you are working, have savings or receive other benefits.

PIP is split into two parts and you can get both depending on your circumstances.

The daily living part is paid to people who need help with everyday tasks such as preparing food, using the toilet, washing, eating and drinking.

The mobility part is given to those who need help getting around, for example working out a route and following it, leaving your home or physically moving around.

You do not need to have a disability to claim the mobility part.

If you have a cognitive or mental health condition such as anxiety then you may also be eligible.

How much will I get?

The amount of money you receive will depend on how difficult you find everyday activities and getting around.

There is a lower and higher rate for both payments.

The Daily living part has a lower rate of £72.65 a week and a higher weekly rate of £108.55.

Meanwhile, the mobility part has a lower rate of £28.70 and a higher weekly rate which is £75.75.

PIP payments are tax-free and the amount you will get is not affected by your income or savings.

Payments are usually made every four weeks directly into your bank account.

You will be assessed by a health professional to calculate the level of help you can receive and your rate is regularly reviewed to ensure you are getting the right support.

Can I claim other benefits while I get PIP?

You can get other benefits while receiving PIP.

These top-ups are known as a premium and you can only get them if you receive the following benefits:

• Housing Benefit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit

You can also get Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit but only if you get the PIP daily living component.

You could get up to £42.50 a week in disability premiums for a single person or £60.60 for a couple.

If you are entitled to the severe disability premium you will get £81.50 a week for a single person or £163 a week as a couple.

Meanwhile, those who are entitled to the enhanced disability premium will get £20.85 a week for a single person or £29.75 for a couple if at least one of you is eligible.

To claim the top ups contact the office in charge of your benefits, tell them you receive PIP and ask them if there is any other help you are entitled to.

They should be able to tell you how much extra you will get.

You may need to send them a copy of your PIP award letter to prove you are receiving the benefit.

Receiving a disability premium will not reduce the amount of PIP or any other benefits you get.

It’s a good idea to ask the DWP what extra you are entitled to and how to apply for it.

If you get PIP then it will not affect the amount you get in Universal Credit.

But unlike the other benefits you will not get an extra top-up if you receive PIP and Universal Credit at the same time.

You will need to make a claim for both benefits separately.

To check whether you are entitled to any benefits use the calculator on the Turn2Us website.

Citizens Advice can help you check if you are eligible to claim PIP and other benefits.

Visit your local centre for more information.

What other freebies can I get on PIP?

There are several other discounts and exemptions you can get if you claim PIP, including free prescriptions and capped water bills.

You could apply for a blue badge, which will make you exempt from certain parking restrictions and will give you access to designated parking spaces.

To apply visit the Government website or contact your local council.

If you have a condition which requires you to use lots of water then you could get capped bills.

You will need to be on a water meter to be eligible.

Every supplier has their own scheme so get in touch with them to see if any support is available.

You may be able to get a council tax discount if you receive the daily living or mobility part of PIP.

Get in touch with your local council to find out whether you are entitled to a discount.

If your disability requires you to make changes to your home then you may be able to apply for a disabled facilities grant.

You will need to be assessed to check whether you are eligible as not everyone who receives PIP can apply.

Visit the government website to apply.

You may also be able to claim free prescriptions, depending on your medical condition.

Not all conditions qualify so check the NHS website for more information.

Contact your local council to see whether you qualify for a disabled person’s bus pass.

These are distributed by your local council as part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme.

If you receive the mobility element of PIP at the standard rate then you can get a 50% reduction on any vehicle tax you pay.

The vehicle on which you receive the discount must be registered in the disabled person’s name.

You can claim the discount when you apply for vehicle tax.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

MORE than a million benefits claimants with disabilities are set to lose out on the Winter Fuel Payment this year.

The cash, worth up to £300, is being dished out to people on certain means-tested benefits.

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Cuts made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves mean that only households claiming pension credit and a handful of other benefits are now eligible.

And now a fresh report has been published by the Social Security Advisory Committee looking at the impact of the Chancellor’s decision to change the eligibility criteria.

The move will reduce the number of people who receive a Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales from 10.8million to just 1.5million.

The most recent available data from May 2023 shows that 2.6million State Pension recipients claim Attendance Allowance (AA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

According to the report, at the same time more than half of Pension Credit claimants were also in receipt those three benefits.

While the committee found that people with a disability will be disproportionately likely to get the Winter Fuel Payment this year, the Department estimates that around 1.6million people with a disability will lose entitlement to the cash.

The report reads: “We consider it essential that the Department urgently reviews its current Pension Credit take-up campaign to ensure those receiving Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are sufficiently engaged and aware of the options available to them.”

It’s important to note that claiming Pension Credit will not affect your cash from other benefits like PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance.

James Taylor, Scope’s executive director of strategy and social change, said the charity is concerned by the government’s decision on the winter fuel payment, which it says “will make life harder for older disabled people”.

He said: “While some disabled pensioners receive pension credit, there are an alarming number who will miss out this winter.

“We’d urge anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply, or to get in touch with our helpline for advice.

“We desperately need a longer-term solution for the eye-watering energy costs many disabled people face, which is why we’re calling for the government to bring in discounted bills for disabled households.”

What can you get?

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner – this is known as “guarantee credit”.

If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.

However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.

You could get an extra £81.50 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following:

• Attendance allowance
• The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA)
• The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP)
• Armed forces independence payment
• The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate.

You could get the “savings credit” part of pension credit if both of the following apply:

• You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016
• You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension

This part of pension credit is worth £17.01 for single people or £19.04 for couples.

Pension credit opens the door to other support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions and the winter fuel payment.

Claims for pension credit also open doors to a number of freebies and discounts.

For example, pension credit claimants over 75 qualify for a free TV licence worth up to £169.50 a year.

Claims for the benefit also provide eligibility to £25 a week cold weather payments and the £150 warm home discount.

We have a guide on all the state pension freebies and discounts you can get.

If you’re not sure if you will be able to get Pension Credit, you can use our handy tool to check what benefits you’re eligible for.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Woman Accuses Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of Assault and Links Him to Tupac’s Murder: Lawsuit Claims. Sean “Diddy” Combs Faces New Sexual Assault Allegations Linked to Tupac Shakur Murder

Introduction to the Lawsuit Against Sean “Diddy” Combs

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the renowned music executive, is once again facing legal trouble. In a new lawsuit, a woman has accused Combs of sexual assault, alleging that he raped her in March 2018. The plaintiff, Ashley Parham, claims the assault occurred shortly after she suggested Combs was involved in the 1996 murder of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur.

Details of the Allegations

According to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for Northern California, Parham asserts that Combs assaulted her at an apartment in Orinda, California. The incident followed a FaceTime call in February 2018 between Parham, Combs, and a man also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. During the call, Parham shared her belief that Combs was connected to Tupac’s murder, a remark that allegedly enraged Combs. The music mogul reportedly warned her that she would “pay” for making such a statement.

The Incident Leading to the Assault

In March 2018, Parham claims she was at the home of the second defendant, assisting him with cancer medication, when Combs arrived with several individuals, including his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram. Khorram, who is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, has been previously involved in other allegations against Combs.

Parham alleges that Combs brandished a knife and threatened to harm her, while Khorram intimidated her by stating she could be “sent anywhere in the world” and would never see her family again. The lawsuit also accuses Khorram of aiding in the intimidation.

The Assault With a Remote Control

According to Parham, after Khorram and another defendant left the apartment, Combs violently assaulted her using a remote control, making her feel as though her life was under his control. Parham claims she reported the alleged assault to the Contra Costa Sheriff but mentioned that her efforts to include Combs’ name led to her feeling dismissed by authorities.

Combs’ Legal Team Responds to the Lawsuit

Combs’ representatives have yet to publicly comment on the new lawsuit. However, in a motion filed in federal court, Combs’ legal team argued that the latest allegations were part of a growing list of lawsuits aimed at damaging the music mogul’s reputation. The motion highlighted that over a dozen lawsuits have been filed against Combs, many of which have allegedly been discredited.

Combs’ attorneys expressed concern over the “chaotic media frenzy” surrounding the lawsuits, warning that this could prevent him from receiving a fair trial. “These ongoing allegations, if not addressed, will prevent Mr. Combs from receiving a fair trial, if it hasn’t already,” his lawyers stated.

Plaintiff’s Attorney Vows to Seek Justice

Ariel Mitchell-Kidd, Parham’s attorney, released a statement, saying, “I was appalled by the allegations my client shared with me and will fight diligently to ensure she receives justice.”

This lawsuit adds another chapter to Combs’ ongoing legal challenges, which have continued to make headlines.

Combs’ Ongoing Legal Troubles

In September 2023, Combs was indicted on federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution. The charges stem from an indictment that alleges Combs orchestrated events known as “freak offs,” which prosecutors claim were highly organized sexual performances.

Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been incarcerated in Brooklyn after being denied bail by two judges. His trial is scheduled for May 5, 2025.

Previous Allegations of Misconduct Against Combs

The latest lawsuit follows a series of legal battles for Combs, who was first thrust into the spotlight over sexual misconduct allegations in November 2022. His former partner, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual abuse. While that lawsuit was resolved the following day, it opened the floodgates for additional allegations of misconduct against the founder of Bad Boy Records.

As Sean “Diddy” Combs continues to face mounting legal issues, the latest sexual assault lawsuit from Ashley Parham has added further complexity to the music executive’s legal battles. With a federal trial set for May 2025 and growing public scrutiny, the ongoing lawsuits are shaping the narrative around one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

Related: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Accused of Sexual Abuse of 9-Year Old.

The UK pensions market is facing numerous challenges preventing individuals from maximising retirement savings.

These include a lack of accessible advice, confusion over pension charges and features, and cumbersome transfer and consolidation processes.

These obstacles can be daunting, leading many to disengage or make poor financial decisions.

One of the most critical problems is the advice gap, which is particularly troubling in the pensions sector, where individuals are often required to make significant decisions about their retirement income.

Habit stacking involves linking a new behaviour to an existing habit, making the new behaviour easier to adopt and maintain

The complexity of the pension system, coupled with auto-enrolment and the increasing accumulation of multiple pots (an average of 11 per person, according to the Pensions Dashboard Programme) only adds to the confusion.

Tracking these pensions and understanding their associated charges can lead to indecision, further exacerbating the issue – and that’s if you find all the pots!

Over a year on from the introduction of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty standard and the ongoing The Pension Regulator’s value for money consultation, the lack of transparency around pension charges remains a challenge for the unadvised. Many individuals are unaware of the fees they are paying, for current or deferred pensions, or how these fees impact their retirement savings over time.

The complexity of pension products also makes it difficult to compare options and make informed decisions, leaving many at a disadvantage. Research from The People’s Partnership found 72% of people who transferred a defined contribution pension didn’t know the fees for their new pension.

The key is in aligning technology with existing habits or activities to streamline pension management at optimal points of times

Beyond decoding the charges and features, the next step in the process can involve transferring pensions, which can present another set of challenges riddled with paper-based processes and administrative delays. If the individual has gotten this far in their efforts to ‘sort out their pensions’, this transfer process can often be the ultimate barrier limiting their ability to benefit from better investment opportunities or lower fees.

A potential solution to these challenges lies in habit stacking (a concept from behavioural psychology that involves linking a new behaviour to an existing habit, making the new behaviour easier to adopt and maintain), technology and timing.

For example, leveraging technology to identify habitual processes and strategically introducing engagement opportunities at those moments could significantly benefit thousands, if not millions, of savers.

In the process of transfers, technology is already available and in use to make them faster, more transparent and less burdensome for both individuals and providers. However, by introducing a new habit into the existing transfer process – such as automatically finding pensions and presenting a simple comparison of features and charges – we could significantly drive up the right kind of pension engagement.

Despite the challenges in the UK pension market, digital tools and habit stacking offer solutions at scale to help close the advice gap

So far, I’m aware of only one workplace pension provider taking this innovative approach – Aegon. As part of its bulk (or scheme) transfer service, it includes key steps such as identity verification and an automated letter of authority. This enables newly transferring members to use this engagement opportunity, at no cost, to find their old pensions, review them with indicators based on charges and features, and, where safe to do so, consolidate – all online. Additionally, indicators highlight where advice is required for certain pots.

The key is in aligning technology with existing habits or activities to streamline pension management at optimal points of times. By simplifying processes – like finding old pensions, comparing and presenting their charges, and enabling truly digital transactions – technology can significantly enhance engagement when used at the right time. It also improves decision-making and future incomes.

If such approaches were more widely adopted, it could create a more accessible and user-friendly pension system, embedding engagement at crucial moments and removing barriers to informed choices.

Despite the challenges in the UK pension market, digital tools and habit stacking offer solutions at scale to help close the advice gap, simplify transfers and improve transparency, leading to more savers making better financial decisions.

Scott Phillips is founder and chief executive of The Pension Lab