Rail travel about to get cheaper for more disabled passengers

More people will be able to get a disabled persons railcard from this weekend following a change in eligibility rules.

From Sunday 1 March, the criteria will be extended so they include more people with visible and non-visible disabilities.

A disabled persons railcard gives you a third off most rail journeys across Britain, and if you’re travelling with a friend, family member or carer, they get the same discount too. 

At just £20 for a year, or £54 for three years, it often pays for itself after just a couple of trips.

Who’ll be able to get a disabled persons railcard?

You’ll be eligible for discounted rail travel if you:

• are a blue badge holder
• have a disabled person’s bus pass
• have a London freedom pass
• can’t drive specifically on medical grounds
• cannot talk
• get armed forces compensation scheme (AFCS) benefits.
• get industrial injuries benefit for a disability level of 20% or higher

Who can currently get a disabled persons railcard?

You automatically qualify for a disabled persons railcard if you’re getting any of the following: 

• personal independence payment
• adult disability payment
• disability living allowance (at certain rates)
• child disability payment (at certain rates)
• attendance allowance
• severe disablement allowance
• pension age disability payment
• war pensioner’s mobility supplement
• war or service disablement pension at the 80% rate or higher

You’re also eligible if you’re registered as:

• deaf or use hearing aids
• blind or partially sighted
• epileptic (and meet certain medical requirements)
• a Motability scheme user

Eligibility rules to change again in September

The rules on who’s eligible for a disabled persons railcard will change again later in the year.

From September, they’ll also include people with conditions that need a more detailed assessment, such as neurodiversity and certain long-term or degenerative conditions.

How do I get a disabled persons railcard?

You can get a disabled persons railcard online by providing:

• proof of eligibility (such as a benefits letter or medical evidence)
• a passport-style photo
• your credit or debit card details to pay the fee

You can also apply by post if that’s easier, or ring the dedicated helpline - 0345 605 0525.