Concessions available to Disabled People

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Concessions available to Disabled People

Background:During the current economic climate, many disabled people are having to get by on less money. With high-street prices increasing and benefits being frozen, it’s important that we manage our money wisely and take advantage of the various discounts and concessions available to disabled people.

Why should disabled people get concessions:It’s a fair question and indeed some disabled people don’t want discounts and concessions but would prefer to pay full price and in return receive a full and equal service. However, the reality is that on trains, wheelchair users still occasionally have to travel in the goods carriage, theatres still have too few sign language interpreted performances and cinemas don’t schedule sufficient numbers of audio described screenings. Add all this to the fact that, as all disabled people know, any benefits we receive do not meet the additional cost of living we incur; we should not shy away from applying for and using all available concessions.

National Disabled Person Railcard:The card costs £18 per year or £48 for three years and allows card holders and one other adult to get a 1/3 off rail fares. The railcard also entitles you to other concessions including discounts on hotel bookings and food outlets within train stations. Eligibility is open to people who are registered Deaf or Blind or are in receipt of certain benefits such as Disability Living Allowance.

National Concessionary Travel Pass:All eligible disabled people in England are entitled to free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. If you qualify, you can travel for free on local buses anywhere in England between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and on public holidays. Also, if you have a travel pass and live within Greater Manchester, you can travel free on the Metrolink during off-peak times. Eligibility is open to people who are registered Deaf or Blind, have walking difficulties or have been or would be refused a driving licence for medical reasons.

Blue Badge:The Blue Badge Scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with mobility difficulties, including free parking on meters. The badge enables holders to park close to where they need to go. The scheme operates throughout the UK and badge holders are exempt from tolls at certain river crossings, bridges and tunnels. Eligibility is open to people who are registered blind, or have walking difficulties or are in receipt of certain benefits such as Disability Living Allowance.

Television Licence Discount:If you are registered blind or have a significant visual impairment, you can get a 50 per cent reduction on the cost of a TV licence. You may also be entitled to a concessionary TV licence if you live in residential care or sheltered housing. Blind people need to prove that you are registered blind or have a significant visual impairment. If you live in residential care, you may be entitled to an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary TV licence, which costs £7.50 a year. If you live in residential care, your housing manager can tell you whether your accommodation is eligible for the ARC concessionary licence.

Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card:This is a national card that can be used to verify that the disabled person is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema. Eligibility is open to people who are registered blind, or are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. The card costs £5 and must be renewed annually. Application forms are available from most cinemas or by contacting The Card Network

National Disabled Person Railcard:Rail Travel Made Easy , PO Box 11631,  Laurencekirk  AB30 9AA

Tel: (voice) 0845 605 0525 (Minicom) 0845 601 0132

Email: disability@atoc.org

Web: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

National Concessionary Travel Pass: Travel Concessions, Customer Services, PO Box 429, Manchester M60 1HX

Tel: 0161 244 1050

Email: passes&permits@gmpte.gov.uk

Web: www.gmpte.com

Blue Badge Scheme:Access Trafford, Ground Floor, Waterside House, Sale Waterside Sale M33 7ZF

Tel: 0161 912 2000

Email: access.trafford@trafford.gov.uk

Web: www.trafford.gov.uk (type ‘blue badge’ in search option)