If you're dealing with a condition that affects your mobility, you may be eligible to apply for a railcard designed for disabled individuals. This isn't limited to those with physical health issues; individuals with learning disabilities can also apply.
Should you need help with the application process, another person can submit it on your behalf. With this pass, you'll be able to enjoy a 30% discount on train fares.
If you require assistance with your application, your local Citizens Advice office is ready to help.
The Disabled Persons Railcard offers a one-third discount on train fares and is available to those with a disability or a progressive medical condition, subject to certain eligibility criteria. These may include receiving specific benefits or having certain disabilities.
On average, holders of a Disabled Persons Railcard save around £113 per year, or £4.40 per journey. You can purchase the railcard and keep it handy on your phone or in your wallet when travelling, reports Lancs Live.
This means you can save money on most train tickets, including advance ones. The railcard is also valid for you and one adult companion. It costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years.
Check your eligibility and learn how to apply on the National Rail website. If you do not meet the criteria, you will need to pay the full fare for your train tickets, and there will be no option to appeal a rejected application.
If any of the scenarios described above sound familiar, take a look at the list below to see what documentation you'll need to provide when applying for your Railcard.
If you: | You will need to provide: |
| Receive Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment for mobility or at the higher or middle rate for help with Personal Care | A copy of your award letter showing receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment in the past 12 months |
| Receive Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment at any rate | A copy of your award letter showing receipt of Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment in the past 12 months |
| Have a visual impairment | Social Services official stamp in the space allocated on the downloadable form if applying online or on a paper application form OR A copy of your Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), BP1 Certificate (Scotland) or BD8 Certificate for being registered blind or partially-sighted |
| Are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid | Social Services official stamp in the space allocated on the downloadable form if applying online or on a paper application form OR A copy of the front page of your NHS battery book or a copy of your dispensing prescription from a private hearing aid supplier |
Have epilepsy: you either have repeated attacks even when receiving drug treatment; or are currently prohibited from driving | A copy of your Exemption Certificate for epilepsy medication and a photocopy of your prescription for epilepsy medication If you live in Scotland and Wales, or are 60+ in England (where a Medical Exemption Card is not required), you must upload a copy of your prescription and proof of address (if not shown on the prescription). If you live in England, you must also upload proof of date of birth (if not shown on the prescription) OR A copy of your Exemption Certification for epilepsy medication and a copy of your letter from the DVLA telling you that you are unable to drive |
| Receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment | A copy of your award letter |
| Receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement | A copy of your award letter |
| Receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability | A copy of your award letter |
| Are buying or leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme | A copy of the leasing or hire-purchase agreement, dated within the past 12 months |
A statement on the National Rail website reads: "Please click on 'Buy Now' on the website homepage and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to provide proof of your disability to verify your eligibility online and a digital passport-style photo if you have selected ‘Digital’ under ‘Choose the type of Railcard you would like’ section. You can check if you are eligible here.
"Once your online payment has been successfully processed you will receive an email confirmation and acknowledgement of your application (this confirmation cannot be used to buy discounted tickets). Please allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved.
"If you have purchased a plastic Railcard, please allow 10 days for delivery in addition to the 5 working days for your Railcard application review. You can choose to pay for Special Delivery, but you will have to place your order before 15:45pm to guarantee that your Railcard is delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Sunday).
"If you have purchased a digital Disabled Persons Railcard, it will be available to use straight away. A download code will be sent to your registered email address, along with instructions on how to download your Railcard. Please also allow up to 5 working days for your Railcard application to be reviewed and approved."
