Bus Pass Eligibilty and Benefits?

emily_jackson

Please can answer a question for me: can you apply for a concessionary bus pass based on disability/ill health grounds and claim ESA at the same time? I don't think being in receipt of any benefits would get in the way of this (although it may speed up the application process if you're in receipt of DLA), but just want to clear it up. Thanks!

Horseunderwater

To get a Concessionary bus pass you'd need to go to your local council web site and see what terms they apply. Once you know that it should then tell you how to go about it all. I think if you get HR mobility then that could well qualify you, but you'd need to check on your local council site first.

nannytone_2

people on LRM can also get a bus pass.
i think the main criteria for this is if you are unable to drive for medical reasons ( mental health/visual impairment/epilepsy stc)

mazza111

Think it depends on the LA tbh.

Prinzessilein

As other posters have said, a bus pass is given out by local councils. You need to check with your own council for their specific criteria.

I have a bus pass. My local council ask for a letter from my GP stating that I will never be permitted to drive on health grounds (which have to be unrelated to any form of drug/alcohol abuse).

Due to the nature of my disability I have an 'automatic renewal' of my pass every 3 years. Some claimants are required to reapply after 3 years.

Edit to add: I am on ESA (Support Group) but this has no effect on claiming my bus pass. The council only ask that you fulfil their criteria - working or on benefits you can still claim a bus pass.

nannytone_2

mibe is usually renewed every 3 years, but my new one is valid for 5 years.
maybe it is a cost cutting thing . it must cos a fortune in plaxtic even without the admin costs

Prinzessilein

I stand corrected Nannytone!

I have just checked my pass. Previously they have been valid for 3 years - the one I received a few months ago is indeed valid for 5 years!

It looks as if my local council are cutting costs too...They already cut costs be using the original photo scanned in every time. It wasn't too bad the first time or two but I am now noticeably older than my bus-pass photo!

nannytone_2

my coincil used the same photo too... but did say that if i wanted a new picture, then just to take a new one in

kingfisherblue

In Merseyside, it isn't the council you apply to - it's Merseytravel. You don't have to get ESA. HRM should entitle you to a bus pass, but even then you can be called in for a medical - it used to be the case that everyone was called in, but I understand that it has now changed.

Most passes are issued for a set length of time. It used to be three years, but may have altered. Some people have a lifetime pass, which means it will be automatically renewed without further proof of DLA or a medical. My son, who has Down's Syndrome and a long list of meddical problems, is in this category.

Also, although it is known as a bus pass, in Merseyside it can be used on the trains (including underground) and ferries as well. I don't know whether other areas allow similar usage, so it is always worth asking whether other public transport qualifies.

schrodie

Prinzessilein wrote: »

I stand corrected Nannytone!

I have just checked my pass. Previously they have been valid for 3 years - the one I received a few months ago is indeed valid for 5 years!

It looks as if my local council are cutting costs too...They already cut costs be using the original photo scanned in every time. It wasn't too bad the first time or two but I am now noticeably older than my bus-pass photo!

My granndmother's council seems to be sticking to the 3 year expiry, her's was renewed this March 2013 and expires in March 2016. Her 2013 -2016 one was just sent to her in the post.

mazza111

Think the dd's was 3 years, even though she had only received her first award of HRM for a year.