Disabled Persons Railcard

Under improvements to the Concessionary Fares Scheme introduced on 1st April 2002, eligible residents can choose to have a national Railcard free of charge as an alternative to a Bus Pass. Railcard holders get a third off the cost of most train journeys.

Disabled people living in the District who do not have a Bus Pass or who wish to surrender a bus pass in exchange for a Railcard will be eligible for a free Railcard subject to meeting the eligibility criteria of both Carlisle City Council's Concessionary Fares Scheme and ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard, applicants must live in the Carlisle City Council district and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• be registered deaf
• be registered blind or partially sighted
• have epilepsy and be disabled by recurrent attacks in spite of drug treatment
• receive Attendance Allowance
• receive Disability Living Allowance (in the higher rate for help with getting around OR in the middle/higher rate for help with personal care).
• receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• receive War pensions Mobility supplement
• receive a War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
• have a vehicle provided under the pre-1976 Invalid Vehicle Scheme
• have bought or leased a vehicle through the 'Motability' Scheme

Due to ATOC regulations, anyone applying for a Disabled Persons Railcard will need to hand in the completed application form, in person, at Carlisle City Council, together with any necessary supporting evidence. The City Council will then send the application with the required fee to ATOC for processing.

When you apply, you will need to show evidence of address and eligibility.

Examples of evidence include:

• DLA (or other qualifying benefits) payment book
• letter from the Benefits Agency confirming receipt of DLA or other relevant Benefit
• Motability lease
• Hire purchase agreement

People who are registered deaf or blind or partially sighted and who do not receive a Disability Living Allowance can obtain a Disabled persons Railcard application form from Carlisle City Council and have it stamped by their local Social Services office as evidence of eligibility for a Railcard.

If you are eligible for a Disabled Persons railcard as a result of epilepsy, you should provide a copy of your exemption certificate, enabling you to receive medication for your condition free of charge and your customer copy of your prescription for your epilepsy medication.

Disabled Persons Railcard applications should be made in person to the reception on the ground floor of the Civic Centre during the following times:

• Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.00pm
• Friday 9.30 am to 3.00pm

Disabled people who have a current Bus Pass but would also like to benefit from concessionary rail travel can purchase a Disabled Persons Railcard. Application forms are available from Carlisle City Council or main railway stations.

Disabled Persons Railcard Office

PO Box 163

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

NE12 8WX

Please note: For more information about eligibility criteria or if you have any other queries about Disabled Persons Railcards please telephone us on 01228 817200.

How to apply

DPRC Helpline: 0191 218 8103

(Typetalk: 0191 269 0304)

http://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/