The expansion of the existing scheme means more people will now qualify for this discount
More people will qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard from today – including Blue Badge users.
The Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility criteria is being extended to include a broader range of visible and non-visible disabilities.
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 discount also applies to one person aged 16 and older who is travelling with you. From today, the eligibility for a Disabled Persons Railcard is being 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.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
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 expansion of the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility criteria was first announced in November 2025 – and it will be extended again in September 2026.
The next expansion later this year will include some long-term or degenerative medical conditions and forms of neurodiversity that have a substantial impact on a person’s ability to travel by train.
Full details of the evidentiary requirements and application guidance will be published ahead of September.
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.”
