Sami
The UK government’s recent changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules have sparked backlash, especially in parts of England where disabled residents rely heavily on PIP-linked support.
Local MPs and charity leaders have labeled these revisions as “immoral“, arguing that many will suffer substantial financial loss.
Why the New PIP Rules Matter
Several government benefits are directly tied to PIP eligibility, meaning losing access to PIP could cause hundreds of pounds in lost support.
A key concern is the disabled concessionary travel scheme, which is available across England and grants free or discounted travel to qualifying individuals.
What You Need to Qualify for the Travel Pass
To qualify for a free or discounted travel card, applicants must provide specific proof of disability. This often includes:
- Receiving the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP.
- Scoring at least 8 points under the “moving around” or “communicating verbally” sections in the PIP assessment.
- Receiving the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- Holding a valid Blue Badge.
- Being a recipient of the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement.
- Having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for individuals under 25 years old.
Despite changes, a loophole in the recent Green Paper suggests losing PIP may not automatically disqualify someone from holding onto their travel pass, as reported by Chronicle Live.
Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
To meet the disability requirements for a concessionary travel pass, one must:
- Be permanently disabled or ill, with serious and lasting mobility issues.
- Be completely blind and unable to perform vision-dependent tasks.
- Have been diagnosed with learning disabilities.
- Be profoundly deaf, whether or not verbal communication is possible.
- Lack the use of both arms, due to limb absence or other conditions.
- Be medically prohibited from driving.
- Be partially sighted, with confirmation from a Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Who Can Benefit from the Concessionary Travel Pass?
You may be eligible for a free or reduced-cost pass if you are:
- A person who has reached State Pension age (66 years).
- An individual under pension age with qualifying disabilities (speech, learning, visual, or physical).
- A companion or carer to someone who cannot travel independently.
- Someone qualifying through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Travel Benefits and Savings With the Pass
Cardholders can enjoy:
- Free bus travel across England (excluding London).
- Shields Ferry rides for just 60p.
- Northern Rail journeys between Newcastle and Metrocentre/Blaydon for 50p—available after 9:30am on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.
This travel benefit can result in annual savings of up to £500, which is the average yearly transport expense for North East residents, according to Statista data.
The new PIP regulations have intensified concerns among disabled communities who fear losing access to critical benefits like the concessionary travel pass. However, some flexibility remains in the eligibility criteria, offering hope to those who may still qualify despite PIP changes.
It’s crucial for affected individuals to stay informed, gather the right documentation, and apply or reapply promptly to continue accessing essential financial and travel support.
FAQs
Will I lose my travel card if I no longer qualify for PIP?
Not necessarily. Though PIP is a common qualifier, the Green Paper suggests that losing PIP does not automatically mean losing your travel pass.
How can I prove eligibility if I don’t get PIP?
You can still qualify through other benefits like the DLA higher mobility rate, Blue Badge, or War Pensioner’s supplement, among others.
How much can I save with a concessionary travel card?
On average, users in the North East save around £500 per year on public transport using the travel pass.