A Guide to Disabled Railcards in the UK Rail System

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By yujin.seo

Brief Introduction to Disabled Railcard in the UK

There are many different types of Railcards in the UK which provide extensive discounts for frequent rail travelers. In this article, Trip.com will provide a detailed introduction to Disabled Railcards. Read on to find out more about what are the benefits, who are the eligible applicants, how to apply for the Disabled Railcard and more!
Source: AbsolutVision/ unsplash  The Disabled Railcard allows users with a disability that makes traveling by train difficult to enjoy 1/3 off rail fares

Source: AbsolutVision/ unsplash

The Disabled Railcard allows users with a disability that makes traveling by train difficult to enjoy 1/3 off rail fares

What is the Disabled Railcard?

The Disabled Railcard, or the Disabled Persons Railcard, allows users with a disability that makes traveling by train difficult to enjoy 1/3 off rail fares.

\The Disabled Railcard costs just £20 a year or £54 for 3 years, and it provides average annual savings of up to £91! As the Disabled Railcard only costs £20, the card will have paid for itself after several trips. This useful card is a must-have for all eligible applicants who are traveling frequently on the UK Rail. What’s the best part? The Disabled Railcard discounts are applicable when you purchase your train tickets on Trip.com!

Source: Jon Tyson/ unsplash  The Disabled Railcard costs just £20 a year or £54 for 3 years

Source: Jon Tyson/ unsplash

The Disabled Railcard costs just £20 a year or £54 for 3 years

Who Can Apply for the Disabled Railcard?

Applicants who are disabled or have a progressive medical condition are eligible for the Disabled Railcard. Please read the following table to check the list of eligible conditions and the required documents for submission when applying for the Disabled Railcard.
Eligible ConditionsProof of Eligibility
Applicants who are receiving the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP) at either
the higher or lower rate for the mobility component OR
the higher or middle rate for the care component
A copy of your award letter showing receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment in the past 12 months.
Applicants who are receiving the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP).A copy of your award letter showing receipt of Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment in the past 12 months.
Applicants who have a visual impairment.Social Services official stamp in the space allocated on the downloadable form on railcard.co.uk if applying online or on a paper application form
OR
A copy of your Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), BP1 Certificate (Scotland) or BD8 Certificate for being registered blind or partially-sighted.
Applicants who are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid.Social Services official stamp in the space allocated on the downloadable form on railcard.co.uk if applying online or on a paper application form.
OR
A copy of the front page of your NHS battery book or a copy of your dispensing prescription from a private hearing aid supplier.
Applicants who have epilepsy.
(Applicants either have repeated attacks even when receiving drug treatment; or are currently prohibited from driving.)
A copy of your Exemption Certificate for epilepsy medication and a photocopy of your prescription for drugs. Residents of Scotland and Wales and those aged 60 and over in England, where a Medical Exemption Card is not required, you need only supply a photocopy of your prescription.
OR
A copy of your Exemption Certification for epilepsy medication and a photocopy of your letter from the DVLA telling you that you are unable to drive.
Applicants who receive the Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment.A copy of your award letter.
Applicants who receive the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.A copy of your award letter.
Applicants who receive the War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability.A copy of your award letter.
Applicants who are buying or leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme.A copy of the leasing or hire-purchase agreement, dated within the past 12 months.
Source: CDC/ unsplash  The Disabled Railcard provides average annual savings of up to £91!

Source: CDC/ unsplash

The Disabled Railcard provides average annual savings of up to £91!

How to Apply for the Disabled Railcard?

Users can apply for the Disabled Railcard online or by post.

Online Application

Users are advised to apply for the Disabled Railcard online as it is the most convenient method. To purchase a Disabled Railcard online, please prepare the following documents during application: proof of eligibility, a digital passport-style photo of the applicant and a debit or credit card for payment.

Users can opt for a Digital Railcard or a Physical Railcard. For users who have opted for Digital Railcard, please allow up to 5 working days for the Disabled Railcard application to be approved. Users who have opted for Digital Railcard will need to download the Railcard app. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a download code via email. Please go to the Railcard App, tap the ‘+’ button on the top left corner of the screen and enter the download code. Then, the Digital Disabled Railcard will be available for use. The Digital Disabled Railcard can be saved on up to 2 devices (e.g., phone and tablet).

As for applicants who have opted for a Physical Railcard, please allow a total of 10 working days for the application to be reviewed and for the Railcard to be delivered by post. Applicants are required to have the Railcard to be able to get a discount on the rail tickets, so please leave enough time before the train journey for the Disabled Railcard to be delivered.

Source: CDC/ unsplash  Applicants who are receiving the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) are eligible

Source: CDC/ unsplash

Applicants who are receiving the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) are eligible

By Post

Applicants who prefer to apply for a Disabled Railcard via post can download and complete the application form on railcard.co.uk and post it with a copy of the evidence of eligibility and payment to:

National Railcards

PO Box 10776

Ashby-de-la-Zouch

LE65 9FA

Please make cheques and postal orders payable to 'ATOC Ltd Railcard'. Please allow 10 working days for the Disabled Railcard to be delivered. The mail provider aims to deliver the Disabled Railcard by the third working day after posting, including Saturday. Applicants can also choose to pay for the Special Delivery option. The Special Delivery service costs £6.50 and it guarantees that the Disabled Railcard is delivered within 2 days (Monday to Thursday) or 3 days (Friday to Saturday) provided that users have placed their orders before 16:00.

Please note that the Disabled Railcards are not available for purchase at station ticket offices.
Source: CDC/ unsplash  Enjoy Disabled Railcard discounts for Standard and First Class Anytime tickets (Day, Single or Return)

Source: CDC/ unsplash

Enjoy Disabled Railcard discounts for Standard and First Class Anytime tickets (Day, Single or Return)

How to Use Disabled Railcard?

Rail Ticket Discounts with Disabled Railcard

The Railcard discount is valid at any time of the day with no time restrictions! If the Disabled Railcard holder is traveling with an adult companion, the companion can get the discount too as long as both the cardholder and companion are traveling together throughout the journey. Here are some examples of the savings you can get for train tickets with the Disabled Persons Railcard:
Train JourneyOriginal PriceDiscounted Price with
Disabled Persons Railcard
Peterborough - London£16.90£11.15
Newcastle - York£19.10£12.60
Edinburgh - London£82.20£54.25

Please note that the prices above are estimated prices.

Source: Elevate/ unsplash  Users can apply for the Disabled Railcard online or by post

Source: Elevate/ unsplash

Users can apply for the Disabled Railcard online or by post

Disabled Railcard’s 1/3 discount is VALID for:
Standard and First Class Anytime tickets (Day, Single or Return)Anytime Day - (Single and Return) tickets must be used on the date shown on the ticket and up to 4:29 am the following day.
Anytime Single - must be used within 2 days of the date shown on the ticket and up until 4:29 am after the last day of validity.
Anytime Return – The journey out must be made within 5 days and up until 4:29 am after the last day of validity, with the return trip being within one calendar month and up until 4:29 am after the last day of validity.
TravelcardSave when purchasing a Travelcard between Zones 1-9, traveling to and from London from outside the London Zones area (Any Time Travelcard has a minimum fare of £20.30)
Standard and First Class Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak (Day, Singles and Return tickets)These tickets may require travelers to travel at specific times of day, days of the week or on a specific route. Always be sure to check the details on the ticket before boarding.
Standard and First-Class Advance ticketsThese tickets need to be booked before the date of travel.
Express Trains to the AirportThis applies to Gatwick Express, Stansted Express and Heathrow Express.
Hop-on, Hop-off TicketsDiscounts are available on PLUSBUS and Standard and First Class All-Line (and some Regional) Rail Rover tickets.
Caledonian SleeperSavings are available on Club Solo or Classic Solo rooms and seated products.
Combined Rail/Sea JourneysDiscounts are available on some rail/sea journeys with Wightlink and Red Funnel Ferries to stations on the Isle of Wight, Hovertravel services to and from Ryde Hoverport, and Stena Line ferries to the Republic of Ireland. (Discount is only available on tickets as part of a journey from/to a National Rail station and on combined rail/sea journeys from/to Ryde Hoverport.)

Please note that some tickets are subject to availability, time, or restrictions.

Disabled Railcard’s Discounts for Oyster pay as you go in London:
1/3 off Oyster pay as you go single fares and daily caps.Register the Disabled Persons Railcard onto an Oyster card at any London Underground Station or National Rail ticket office issuing Oyster cards to use on National Rail, London Underground and Docklands Light Railway services to receive the discount.
Railcard holder discount.Oyster pay as you go discounts are for the Disabled Persons Railcard holder only.
Special concession.A Disabled Railcard holder traveling on Oyster pay as you go can get 1/3 off an Off-Peak Day Travelcard Zones 1-6 (including stations in London Zones 7-9 if required) for one adult companion traveling with them. The adult accompanying person must travel with the Railcard holder for the whole duration of the journey
Ticket purchasing restriction.If the Disabled Persons Railcard holder is traveling on a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, they cannot use their Disabled Persons Railcard to buy a discounted ticket for an adult accompanying person.
Please note that minimum fares apply to Anytime Day Travelcards at all times. Please take note of any time restrictions on the purchased ticket. Some tickets may have conditions or restrictions, such as time restrictions for return travel.
Disabled Railcard is NOT VALID for:
Season tickets including Travelcard Season tickets.
Eurostar tickets
Some Train Company-specific promotional offers
Tickets for special excursions or Charter trains and some coach/bus links, including RailAir services.
Most London Underground and Docklands Light Railway tickets.
Source: name/ unsplash  Disabled Railcard users can also enjoy many other savings with partnering companies such as Tastecard and Virgin Experience Days.

Source: name/ unsplash

Disabled Railcard users can also enjoy many other savings with partnering companies such as Tastecard and Virgin Experience Days.

Special Offers and Rewards with Disabled Railcard

In addition to massive discounts on train tickets, Disabled Railcard users can also enjoy many other savings with partnering companies! Let’s take a look at some popular promotions offered:
Partnering OrganizationDescription
TastecardDisabled Railcard holders can enjoy a 3‐month tastecard membership for free! Get 2 for 1 meals or 50% off food at countless restaurants nationwide. Save £18.88 on average per dining use
Virgin Experience DaysGet 20% savings with your Disabled Railcard on Virgin Experience Days (e.g., supercars, spa days, 3-course dinners).
cottages.comDisabled Railcard holders can enjoy 5% discounts on cottages.com bookings

How to Renew Disabled Railcard?

Please note that Disabled Person Railcards do not renew automatically. Railcard users will need to ensure that the Disabled Person Railcards are renewed before their expiry dates as expired Railcards are not valid for use. Users may be charged a penalty fare if they travel on an expired Railcard.

The Railcards can be renewed when they are within 30 days of the expiry date. Users may also renew their Railcard in their online accounts once they have expired. Disabled Person Railcards can be renewed for either 1 year (£20) or 3 years (£54).

When the Disabled Person Railcard is renewed, the new card will start from the day after the current Railcard has expired. If users renew their digital Railcards before their expiry dates, please note that the current digital Railcard will appear in the online account as “Replaced”. Then, the renewed Railcard will be valid for use immediately. Any overlapping validity will be added on to the renewed Railcard. Users who are renewing a Disabled Persons Railcard may be asked to resubmit evidence of eligibility. Please also note that Disabled Persons Railcards are NOT available for renewal at a staffed station ticket office.

Source: Elevate/ unsplash  The Disabled Railcard discounts are applicable when you purchase your train tickets on Trip.com!

Source: Elevate/ unsplash

The Disabled Railcard discounts are applicable when you purchase your train tickets on Trip.com!

FAQ

  • Who qualifies for a Disabled Railcard?

    The Disabled Railcard allows users with a disability that makes traveling by train difficult to enjoy 1/3 off rail fares.


  • How much is a Disabled Railcard?

    The Disabled Railcard costs just £20 a year or £54 for 3 years.


  • How to get a Disabled Railcard?

    Eligible applicants can apply for a Disabled Railcard online or by post.


  • How to use a Disabled Railcard?

    When users purchase train tickets via Trip.com, users can click on "Add Railcard" to add the Disabled Railcard. The discounts will be applied to the train ticket prices.


  • What are some examples of eligible conditions for a Disabled Railcard?

    Examples include applicants who are receiving the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP) and applicants who have a visual impairment or are registered as deaf.


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