Despite recent changes to disability benefit eligibility, individuals with certain disabilities may still qualify for a free bus pass in England. Travel schemes based on disability benefit eligibility could continue to offer free travel to those who have lost their benefit claim under new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules.
In England, the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme enables disabled people to secure a free bus pass through their local council. Recently, fears were voiced that disabled individuals might lose their entitlement to a free pass following the government’s announcement of its overhaul to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit eligibility.
However, due to the wording of the Green Paper proposals, it appears that even if you lose your PIP, you might still qualify for the concessionary travel scheme pass. Concerns had been raised about the potential impact on individuals using facilities such as the Blue Badge scheme or holding concession travel cards offering free bus journeys following the benefits system revamp announced by Liz Kendall in March.
As part of the overhaul, Ms Kendall told MPs that the reforms would save £5bn by the end of the decade. Her strategy is to achieve this by making individuals with ‘lower needs’ ineligible for the daily living component of PIP in the future through modifications to the PIP scoring system.
The disabled concessionary travel scheme, offering free bus journeys across England, typically requires PIP eligibility as its qualifying factor. If you’re assessed with mobility difficulties and receive the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, you’ll be eligible for a pass even if you don’t get payment from it, Chronicle Live reports.
Additional criteria for obtaining a free travel pass include being above the State Pension age, being a carer, or qualifying under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Applying as a disabled person remains a savvy way to save, despite any benefit cuts.
To qualify for a reduced cost or complimentary travel pass, you need to:
For disability qualification, evidence of a PIP assessment and receipt of the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP is necessary, or having scored at least 8 points in “moving around” or “communicating verbally”. You could also present the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance to bolster your application.
Here are the details you need to know if you’re aiming to qualify as a disabled person for the scheme:
Other qualifying criteria include holding a disabled parking badge, being a recipient of the War Pensioner’s mobility supplement, or having an education, health and care plan (for individuals up to 25 years old). The card provides free bus travel throughout England (excluding London), potentially resulting in an average annual saving of £500 on travel costs.