FREE Bus pass??

Angel_Rachie

Hello I have suffered from mental health problems for a number of years now and benifit from a carer or enabler to assist me with using public transport occasionally. I also recieve the lower rate of DLA mobility component.
I have been feeling the pinch latley and decided to apply for a disabled persons FREE bus pass. However the application form is rather evasive about wether mental illness entitles you to a FREE bus pass. I could get a letter from my Psychologist and support worker to support my application. Do you think this would help?
Is there anyone else with mental health problems thats been succesful in applying for a FREE bus pass?

Indie_Kid

It depends how severe your mental illness is. Have you been refused a driving licence, due to medical reasons apart from drugs or alcohol?

System

I think you can get a form from the council. It used to be that they had to declare you unfit to drive however this has changed (at least where I am) and it's now if you are considered to have a serious mental illness. On my form it says to be filled in by a psychiatrist but i'd have though a psychologist would suffice. Also do you know if you are on an enhanced care plan (enhanced CPA)? As this i think means you automatically qualify.

I'm waiting for my psychiatrist to sign my form but i gather it should be successful.
ETA: when you ask for a form there is usually a different form for applying on MH grounds

McKneff

bus passes are given because of disability, but you seem to be applying for one because you are 'feeling the pinch'

By all means, apply, but apply for the right reasons.

No reason why you shouldnt apply but why do you think you deserve one (aside from the 'feeling the pinch)

MrsManda

Buses

New single-decker and double-decker buses are designed to be accessible to disabled people, including wheelchair users.
Local councils offer eligible disabled people in their area free off-peak travel on local bus services; there is no charge for the bus pass.
What is 'eligible disabled'?

You are eligible disabled if any of the following applies to you:

• you are blind or partially sighted
• you are profoundly or severely deaf
• you are without speech
• you have a disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk
• you do not have arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• you have a learning disability
• you would, if you applied for a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have your application refused under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) on grounds other than persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/PublicAndCommunityTransport/DG_4019388

karmacookie

Rules in Scotland differ. Tou can also apply for a pass that allows you to take a companion with you for free

http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/public-transport/concessionary-travel/who-qualifies/mental-illness-learning-disability-personality-disorder

Trialia

It depends on your mental illness and how it's being handled. I am bipolar and unmedicated for it, and under DVLA rules I am not eligible for a licence for that reason. If you would be refused a licence due to your particular mental illness, then you should be eligible for a bus pass.

formaldehyde_perfume

Thanks Trialia for bumping this thread, I just got my DLA award and completely forgot about being eligible for a concessionary bus pass, now it is on my list of things to do

kurgon

Hi - I often fill in these forms for people. Your psychologist can assist you with filling it in but also try to get a letter from any supervising physician, either a consultant they work with or your own GP. As stated earlier it is dependant on if you would be allowed to drive, and are safe to do so, as a result of your mental ill health. If this does not preclude you from driving you are not entitled to a bus pass. If you are not entitled to drive then also provide details of any medications that you are on, to support your application. The applications are often decided by medical people who have little experience with mental health (or certainly in Manchester they are...) so that is why a letter stating that you are not fit to drive from a doctor is always a good idea.

Angel_Rachie

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

On my form it says to be filled in by a psychiatrist but i'd have though a psychologist would suffice. Also do you know if you are on an enhanced care plan (enhanced CPA)? As this i think means you automatically qualify.

Sorry i meant to say Psychiatrist (i get them mixed up) and yeah i think i have an enhanced care plan.

kurgon

Does your psychiatrist deem that you are fit to drive? If not, get him to write it down and you will be eligible....