The Disabled Persons Railcard offers significant savings on rail travel for eligible individuals, yet many people are unaware of this benefit.
Available for just £20 annually or £54 for three years, the railcard is available to those with certain disabilities or medical conditions, and those receiving qualifying benefits.
The railcard provides a third off rail travel for both the cardholder and an accompanying adult, which can amount to average annual savings of up to £113.
This is an essential savings tool, but many eligible individuals are not fully utilizing it. Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how to apply, and the benefits it offers.
Who is Eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?
The Disabled Persons Railcard is available to individuals with disabilities, progressive medical conditions, or those receiving specific welfare benefits. If you fall into any of the categories below, you could be entitled to this valuable discount.
Eligibility Criteria
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) recipients.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP) recipients, if you receive:
- The higher or lower rate for the mobility component.
- The higher or middle rate for the care component.
- Individuals with a visual impairment, hearing impairment, or epilepsy.
- Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) recipients.
- Recipients of the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or War or Service Disablement Pension for a disability rated at 80% or more.
- Those purchasing or leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme.
If you meet any of these criteria, the next step is to provide proof of your eligibility when applying.
Documentation Required for Application
When applying for the Disabled Persons Railcard, certain documents must be submitted to verify your eligibility. Below is a breakdown of the required documentation based on your specific benefit or condition.
For Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment
- Provide a copy of your award letter showing receipt of DLA or CDP in the last 12 months.
For Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment
- Submit a copy of your award letter showing receipt of PIP or ADP within the past 12 months.
For Visual Impairment
- Provide a Social Services stamp on the application form (online or paper), or a copy of your Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), BP1 Certificate (Scotland), or BD8 Certificate for being registered blind or partially sighted.
For Hearing Impairment
- If registered as deaf or using a hearing aid, provide a Social Services stamp on the application form, or a copy of your NHS battery book or dispensing prescription from a private hearing aid supplier.
For Epilepsy
- If you have epilepsy, provide one of the following:
- Exemption Certificate for epilepsy medication and a prescription for the medication.
- If you live in Scotland, Wales, or are over 60 in England, a copy of your prescription and proof of address (if not on the prescription) or Exemption Certification and a letter from the DVLA stating that you cannot drive.
For Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, or Pension Age Disability Payment
- Submit a copy of your award letter.
For War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement:
- Provide a copy of your award letter.
For War or Service Disablement Pension (80% or more disability):
- Submit a copy of your award letter.
If Purchasing or Leasing a Vehicle through the Motability Scheme:
- A copy of your leasing or hire-purchase agreement from the past 12 months.
The Disabled Persons Railcard offers valuable savings for eligible individuals, yet many people are missing out on this opportunity.
With a wide range of eligibility criteria covering disabilities and several government benefits, it’s essential to check whether you qualify and apply accordingly.
By providing the required documentation, you can start saving on rail travel and make your journeys more affordable.
FAQs
How much can I save with the Disabled Persons Railcard?
You can save up to one-third off rail fares for both yourself and an accompanying adult, with average annual savings of up to £113.
How do I apply for the Disabled Persons Railcard?
You can apply online or by post, but you will need to submit the required documentation proving your eligibility, such as award letters or medical certificates.
Is the Disabled Persons Railcard valid for all train services?
Yes, the railcard is valid on most train services across the UK, offering discounts on both standard and advance tickets.