Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around.
If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.
There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.
Eligibility for these concessions depends on your age or whether you have a disability. To find out what you might be able to get, see the sections below.
Do you know what benefits you are entitled to? Our Benefits Calculator can help you, quickly and easily, to find out what you could be claiming.
Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the below free bus passes:
Both of these passes get you free travel on local buses.
You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age. Apply for your bus pass by visiting the GOV.UK website.
There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass. So, to find out if you're eligible and where to apply, get in touch with your local council.
It can also be worth contacting individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts. For example, National Express offers Coachcards to older or disabled customers, which cost £12.50 and save you a third on your travel across the year.
Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:
Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee each year and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.
The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.
You can apply for one on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Alternatively, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.
The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:
For a complete list of criteria or to apply for your railcard online, visit the Disabled Persons Railcard website.
National Rail has created an interactive tool to help people find their way around stations and avoid potential difficulties like stairs.
Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including trams, National Rail services, the Underground, river services and buses – and free local bus journeys nationally.
If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:
To find out more or to apply, visit the London Councils Freedom Pass webpage.
If you're over 60 but under State Pension age and you live in London, you can get a special Oyster card for free travel in the city.
If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, and you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.
Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.
Contact your local council or your local Age UK to find out what's available in your area.
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 125 local Age UKs.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around.
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