Frequently Asked Questions?

Most frequently asked questions

• I don't live in Great Britain or receive UK disability benefits - can I apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard?
  A:

  Unfortunately we do not have the resources or expertise to be able to validate documentation from outside the United Kingdom (UK) so we can only accept UK-based documentation as proof of eligibility.
  
  People from outside the UK are advised to find out about the Britrail Pass which gives excellent savings to visitors to Britain. Alternatively, check out the range of other Railcards that can be purchased.
  
  If you do not have a Railcard and are a wheelchair user or a visually impaired person travelling with an adult companion, you can get discounts on selected range of tickets - see the Concessionary Discounts page for details

   

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• I'm a child and I have a disability. Am I eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?
  A:

  Yes.

  5 to 15-year olds that are eligible can apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard. While the Railcard doesn't offer discounts on child fares, it will allow one person travelling with the cardholder to get 1/3 off most rail fares.

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• I receive Personal Independence Payments. Am I eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?
  A:

  Yes.
  
  If you receive Personal Independence Payments at any level for either the Mobility or Daily Living components, you are eligibile for a Disabled Persons Railcard. Applicants will need to provide a copy of their current award letter.

   

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• I have a local authority concessionary bus pass - does this make me eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?
  A:

  No
  
  Holding a concessionary bus pass does not entitle a person to qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard. Concessionary bus passes are administered by local authorities who have the flexibility to use their discretion when issuing passes. So whilst many of the people who have a bus pass may be candidates for a Railcard, there are many who would not (for example, people with short term illnesses and conditions). Therefore we cannot accept the bus pass alone as grounds to issue a Railcard. 

   

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• I have a Blue Badge parking permit - does this make me eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?
  A:

  No
  
  Being a Blue Badge holder does not entitle a person to qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard. The Blue Badge scheme is designed to give parking privileges to people with mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. It is run by local authorities who have the flexibility to use their discretion when issuing badges. So whilst many of the people who have Blue Badges may be candidates for a Railcard, there are many who would not (for example, people with short term illnesses and conditions or parents of children who need to transport bulky medical equipment). Therefore we cannot accept the Blue Badge alone as grounds to issue a Railcard. 

   

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• I currently receive Disability Living Allowance but need to apply for Personal Independence Payments. Can I still get a Disabled Persons Railcard?
  A: Yes
  
  You will need to provide either a copy of your award letter showing receipt of Disability Living Allowance in the past 12 months, or a copy of your award letter for Personal Independence Payments going forward.
  

   

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• How do I find out if my epilepsy medication will make me eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?
  A: We accept medications that are in line with Epilepsy Society guidelines listed on the Epilepsy Society’s website. Because many of these medications have other uses, if you are applying on the grounds of your epilepsy you will also need to send in a copy of the Exemption Certificate that enables you to receive your medication free of charge. More information on the FP92A form, available from GP surgeries, can be found here.
  

   

  To see the most up-to-date list of anti-epileptic drugs click here.
  

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• How can I get registered as having a visual impairment?
  A: The RNIB gives good advice on this. See the 

  RNIB website

   for information on registration.
  

   

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• Where can people get the information here in a different format such as Large Print, Easy Read or Audio?
  A: You can download MS Word, PDF, large print, easy read and audio versions of the information leaflet and application form on this website - click here. 
  
  If you require information in a format other than these - such as Braille - please contact the Disabled Persons Railcard office.
  

   

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