More people now qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard as the eligibility criteria has been expanded
What you need to know as Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility is expanded to include Blue Badge users
- More people now qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard as the eligibility criteria has been expanded. Some of the people that are now entitled to this rail discount including Blue Badge users.
- The Disabled Persons Railcard gives you 1/3 off rail tickets, with the average person saving around £126 a year. It costs £20 for a one-year railcard, or £54 for three years.
- The eligibility for a Disabled Persons Railcard has been expanded to include those who: Have a Blue Badge; Receive a Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland or Wales; Receive a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass; Are currently unable to drive on medical grounds; Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) benefits; Receive Industrial Injuries Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher; Are without speech.
- The old eligibility criteria still applies – which means you are still entitled to a Disabled Persons Railcard if you: Receive Personal Independence Payments or Adult Disability Payment; Receive Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment at either the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or the higher or middle rate for the care component; Are registered as having a visual impairment; Are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid; Have epilepsy and have repeated attacks, even though you receive drug treatment or are currently prohibited from driving because of epilepsy; Receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment; Receive war pensioner’s mobility supplement; Receive war or service disablement pension for 80% or more disability; Buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme.
- The eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard will be extended again in September 2026 to include some long-term or degenerative medical conditions and forms of neurodiversity.
- Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, said: “Widening the eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard is an important step forward in helping more people access rail and travel with confidence.
- “Working closely with government the industry is committed to building a railway that reflects the needs of the communities we serve today and, in the future, ensuring our network is inclusive, welcoming and supportive for every passenger.”
- Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said: “This expansion of the Disabled Persons Railcard marks an important milestone on our journey to a more inclusive railway, making everyday journeys more affordable for thousands more people.
- “Whether it’s commuting to work, accessing education, or visiting loved ones, everyone should be able to travel with confidence.
- “We are putting accessibility at the heart of our railways through the Accessible Railways Roadmap, which lays the foundations for a longer-term transformation under Great British Railways.”
- READ THE FULL STORY: Blue Badge rule change from today that will save thousands of people £126
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