A number of disabled people across the UK could be eligible for free bus passes but may not be aware of it – here’s what you need to know and how to apply
The latest shake-up in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) regulations has left many disabled Brits worried about their future. And it’s easy to see why, when thousands of people could potentially lose out on vital travel help as some existing benefits hinge on PIP qualifications.
Take the disabled concessionary travel scheme in England, for example – it’s all linked to whether you’re getting PIP or not. You might even be sitting on a free bus pass and not even know it!
With benefit changes afoot, people are being told to double-check if they’re eligible for various schemes, and in order to apply you’ll need to show some paperwork – like proof that you’re receiving the enhanced rate mobility part of PIP, or scoring at least 8 points for “moving around” or “communicating verbally”, reports Teesside Live.
If you’re on Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you’re eligible only if you’re receiving the higher rate mobility component.
There are other ways to qualify too, like having a blue badge, getting the War Pensioner’s mobility supplement, or if you’re a young person up to 25 with an education, health and care plan.
Yet, owing to the phrasing in the Green Paper proposals, losing PIP might not strip you of your pass. While mobility doesn’t affect PIP awards, if the assessment flags mobility issues and you bag the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, you keep your eligibility for the pass, even without getting a penny.
If you’re a disabled person applying for a bus pass, it could be a real money-saver, especially if you’re facing benefit cuts. In the North East of England for example, a bus pass could save you around £500 each year – that’s what the average Joe in the area blows on public transport, according to Statista.
Crucially, the main benefit of the concessionary card scheme is free off-peak bus journeys for those who qualify. ‘Off-peak’ is defined as between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
Some local authorities may offer further benefits to their residents too, such as free travel outside off-peak times or reduced tram or rail travel.
In West Yorkshire, for example, the pass also allows for half-fare off-peak train travel in addition to free bus travel. While Greater Manchester goes one step further and allows free off-peak train and bus travel.
If you’re eligible, you can snatch a cheaper or free travel pass if you are:
- an older person who has reached their 66th birthday (current state pension age)
- someone with a learning, speech, visual or physical disability under pensionable age
- a carer companion to someone who couldn’t travel without your help
- qualify under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
To be considered as a disabled person under the scheme, here’s how you can qualify:
- chronically sick and disabled and suffering from any disability which permanently and seriously impairs your ability to walk
- permanently blind and unable to perform any duties for which sight is required
- assessed as having learning disabilities
- registered as profoundly deaf, with or without speech
- without the use of both arms, whether through the absence of limbs or otherwise
- unable to drive having had a driving license refused or revoked on medical grounds
- registered as partially sighted (where disability can be assessed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist)