DWP Free Bus Pass Who are over 66 Years: Check New Eligibility Conditions Seniors can Save around £500 per Year

DWP Free Bus Pass Who are over 66 Years: Recent changes to PIP (Personal Independence Payment) regulations have hit the disabled community hard, with charities and local leaders calling the cuts “immoral.” These changes could impact not just benefits but also other support schemes that depend on PIP eligibility—like free or discounted travel passes across England.

If you’re currently using or planning to apply for a disabled concessionary travel card, it’s important to understand how the new rules may affect your eligibility and what steps you can take to continue saving on travel costs.

What Is the Disabled Concessionary Travel Scheme?

The concessionary travel card allows eligible disabled people to travel for free or at reduced cost on public transport. In the North East, for example, it offers:

• Free bus travel across England (excluding London)
• 60p fare on the Shields Ferry
• 50p fare on Northern Rail between Newcastle and Metrocentre/Blaydon
• Valid after 9:30am on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays

On average, this can save around £500 per year, which is what many North East residents spend on transport.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for the concessionary card if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Reached age 66 (state pension age)
• Have a physical, speech, learning, or visual disability
• Are a carer/companion for someone who cannot travel alone
• Qualify under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Eligibility for Disabled People: What Counts?

To qualify as a disabled person under the scheme, one of these must apply:

• You have a permanent and serious walking disability
• You are permanently blind or partially sighted
• You are profoundly deaf, with or without speech
• You have a learning disability
• You are without the use of both arms
• You cannot drive due to medical conditions
• You are chronically sick or disabled, assessed by a professional

Additionally, you must show proof of a PIP assessment and:

• Have received the enhanced rate mobility component
• Or scored at least 8 points for “moving around” or “communicating verbally”

What Happens If You Lose PIP?

Under the Green Paper proposals, even if you lose your PIP payments, you might still be eligible for the travel pass—but only if mobility issues were noted during your assessment.

So, if your PIP award ends but your assessment states that you have significant difficulty with mobility, you may still qualify for the card. This could help you save on travel costs even without receiving PIP payments.

Other Ways to Prove Eligibility

If you’re not receiving PIP but still want to apply for a disabled travel pass, you may also qualify by showing evidence such as:

• A Blue Badge (disabled parking permit)
• The War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
• An EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) if under 25 years old
• Documents showing you’re registered blind, deaf, or partially sighted

While the new PIP rules have made things more uncertain for disabled individuals, the concessionary travel card remains a valuable way to cut down on everyday expenses. If you think your eligibility has changed, don’t panic. There are still ways to apply and qualify, even if you’ve lost your PIP payments.

Make sure to gather the right documentation and speak to your local council or travel authority for guidance. With the right steps, you can continue to enjoy free or reduced travel, saving up to £500 a year.

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