Nominating a driver for PIP

Jacadie

Hi guys. I have recently been awarded enhanced mobility with PIP. It does say on a leaflet in the award notice that to claim free disabled car tax it must be the person with the illness/disability or the nominated driver who uses the vehicle for the ill/disabled person. We do own a car but my husband, who is my full time carer is the registered keeper. Is there a process we have to go through to add him as the nominated driver on my pip claim to enable us to apply for the disabled tax? Thank you for any help.

chiarieds

Hi @Jacadie - from the DVLA's guide 'How to apply for free disabled tax'

'Who can apply for free vehicle tax
The registered keeper, who can be:
• the person with the illness or disability
• someone who uses their vehicle only for the ill or disabled person'

Further info here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1057921/ins216_how_to_apply_for_free_disabled_tax.pdf

Jacadie

Ahh i read that guide. It looks like we just have to take all the documents to the post office to change the tax class. It just seemed a little too easy and straightforward so i presumed there must be something i was missing 😂😂 Thank you, we'll get that sorted out then.

chiarieds

You're very welcome - it's good that some things are easy!

calcotti

Do note the requirement

Using the vehicle in the disabled tax class
The vehicle must either be used by the disabled person or someone who only uses their vehicle to help them, for example, to get prescriptions or go shopping for the disabled person.

This means that if the car is a general use family car used for activities other than supporting the disabled person it does not come within the scheme (although I'm fairly sure this rule is often breached).

Biblioklept

calcotti said:

Do note the requirement

Using the vehicle in the disabled tax class
The vehicle must either be used by the disabled person or someone who only uses their vehicle to help them, for example, to get prescriptions or go shopping for the disabled person.

This means that if the car is a general use family car used for activities other than supporting the disabled person it does not come within the scheme (although I'm fairly sure this rule is often breached).

Could it not be argued most household family things are for benefit of the disabled person? Like taking kids to school is supporting disabled person so they don't have to do it, going to work to earn for the household or would that be too much of a stretch? 

SueHeath

I've been looking into this as well - so does that mean we can't claim the tax on car because my husband goes to work three days a week - i don't go out unless i am in the car - we go shopping together and other social occasions.

calcotti

My interpretation is that if your husband uses the car to get to and from work and/or for work itself then the car doesn't qualify for the exemption. I think the intention is support people who need a car due to their disability, if the car would be there anyway it doesn't count. 

SueHeath

Will i still be okay in claiming the blue card @calcotti

janer1967

You can claim blue badge but only use it when you are a passenger in the car that is being parked you can use it in any car you are in not just your car 

SueHeath

phew thanks @janer1967 xx

calcotti

SueHeath said:

Will i still be okay in claiming the blue card @calcotti

Absolutely as per janer's reply. The Blue Badge is for your benefit whenever you are being transported or are driving yourself regardless of what vehicle you are in.

SueHeath

Thanks @janer1967 @calcotti just going to go for blue badge and thinking of bus pass for when we go away x

janer1967

Make sure the bus pass can be used nationwide I think its called freedom Pass buf not being a traveller on public transport I'm not sure how they work 

SueHeath

janer1967 said:

Make sure the bus pass can be used nationwide I think its called freedom Pass buf not being a traveller on public transport I'm not sure how they work 

Yep janer we only tend to go on bus's when we are away - gives hubby a break from driving , thanks for telling me about that one to look for. Hubby is 67 and he's never gone for a pass, but might be more useful now with the price of petrol xxx

janer1967

Why not may as well get one and gives some variety 

Might even try a bus trip myself lol 

calcotti

I think the Freedom Pass is a London pass.

An disabled person bus pass can be obtained from your local authority and will be valid for the country in which you live.

janer1967

Thanks for that @calcotti

poppy123456

You will need to look at the criteria for your LA for the disabled bus pass. A mobility award and BB doesn't always automatically entitle you to the bus pass. It doesn't with my LA.