Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility expanded: Can you get cheaper train travel?

Thousands more disabled train customers could save on discounted tickets thanks to changes on the rules for the Disabled Persons Railcard.

The eligibility criteria for the railcard so has widened so that people with a wider range of disabilities, health conditions and neurodivergent conditions can apply.

The changes should help more people access more affordable rail travel.

The railcard offers significant savings - particularly if you regularly travel by train - with eligible passengers saving one-third off most train fares for themselves and one accompanying adult.

The card costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years, but the cost could easily be recouped thrugh savings after just a few journeys.

Who can get a Disabled Persons Railcard under new rules?

People could now qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard with a long-term impairment, health condition, or if they are neurodivergent and their circumstances create significant barriers to travelling by train.

The condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months to qualify.

Applicants will need to provide professional evidence explaining how their condition affects their ability to use rail services.

This could include a report or letter from a health professional, or an impact declaration form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional.

Applications using will be independently assessed and having a diagnosis does not automatically guarantee approval.

The assessment considers the impact a condition has on the person's ability to travel by rail.

Dan Mann, co-chief executive officer at Rail Delivery Group said: “Rail connects people to jobs, education, family and communities and we want those connections to be accessible to as many people as possible. 

“Expanding eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard will help more disabled people who face additional barriers when travelling by train access more affordable journeys. It is another step towards putting accessibility at the heart of the railway as we move towards Great British Railways.” 

Who else is eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?

The railcard was already available to many people who receive disability benefits or have particular access needs.

You could be eligible if you receive qualifying benefits including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment, as well as Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment.

If you can provide evidence of a visual or hearing impairment, or epilepsy, you could also qualify.

Other qualifying criteria could include holding a Blue Badge, Disabled Persons Bus Pass or a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme.

It is worth checking the full criteria if you think there's a chance you could qualify.

The more recent changes go further by allowing applications based on the effect of a long-term condition or neurodivergence on rail travel.

How much can you save with a Disabled Persons Railcard?

A Disabled Persons Railcard gives the holder and one accompanying adult one-third off most eligible train fares across the UK.

Savings will depend on how often you travel, your routes and the fares you buy, however, average money saved is £126 a year.

The one-year cost of the card is £20 meaning you stand to be £106 better off overall.

If you buy a three-year card at £54, the cost per year falls to £18, pushing the saving up to £108.

You should do the maths based on how often you travel, but even one long journey could offset the cost of the railcard to make it worthwhile.

How do you apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard?

You can apply for the railcard online, by phone or by post. The online application is available through the official Railcard website.

Before applying, check which supporting documents you need.

You will generally need evidence such as a current benefit award letter, Blue Badge or Disabled Persons Bus Pass, depending on your circumstances.

Or a report or letter from a health professional, such as a doctor, explaining how your condition affects your ability to use rail services.