Problems renewing my bus pass in Scotland

Viberduo

I only get lower DLA(and ESA work related) my bus pass is due to run out and I got it before after I saw a psychologist who also diagnosed me with autism(and I already had diagnosis for dyslexia, dyspraxia and history of depression)

Problem is I moved last year and new doctor and social workers never set me up a psychologist who I am meant to see yearly for support(and I used to go to a mental heath drop in in old town but none here)

I need to get a form filled in but it says it needs to be done by something like school/college/doctor etc but only seen my doctor a few times since I moved here and they just have my records on my disability assessment.

tomtontom

You'll need to see your GP and ask if they will sign the form. They will do so if they feel you meet the relevant criteria. Which criteria do you feel you qualify under?

Prinzessilein

I have Autism.


Each council will have their own criteria for eligibility for a bus pass. I qualify as I would not be able to get a driving licence on medical grounds ( the grounds must not be not alcohol/drug abuse related)


I took my papers to my GP to sign. He is not the one who diagnosed my Autism (I saw a Specialist for that) but he does have a full record of my medical history and was able to confirm my eligibility.


When you see your GP perhaps you could ask again for a referral to a Psychiatrist, if you feel this will help you manage your conditions?

wild666

Would you, or have been refused a driving license

arbroath_lass

Prinzessilein wrote: »

I
Each council will have their own criteria for eligibility for a bus pass. I qualify as I would not be able to get a driving licence on medical grounds ( the grounds must not be not alcohol/drug abuse related)

The concessions scheme is run by Scottish Government not councils. Transport Scotland are the people to talk to for advice.


http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/public-transport/concessionary-travel-people-aged-60-or-disability


If you're a resident in Scotland, aged five or over and meet one of the following criteria, you're entitled to free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card:

• You receive the higher rate of the mobility component or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, you receive Attendance Allowance or you receive Personal Independence Payment. Take along a letter confirming your eligibility.
• You are a Blue Badge holder. Take your Blue Badge, latest V11 vehicle licensing reminder from DVLA or DLA404 from the Department of Work and Pensions when you apply for your card.
• You are profoundly or severely deaf. Take along a letter from your Audiologist, Hospital Consultant or Registered Society for the Deaf when you apply. The letter must show that you have bilateral hearing loss greater than or equal to 70dBHLs averaged over 1, 2 and 4KHz. If you have been deaf since birth, a letter from your GP is fine too.
• You have a visual impairment. Bring your registration certificate that confirms you are blind or partially sighted when you apply for your card. A letter from the RNIB or other registered society is also acceptable.
• You have been told not to drive based on medical grounds. Take the DVLA confirmation letter as evidence when you apply. If you have epilepsy the NCT003 certificate is acceptable too. Collect the certificate from your Local Authority and ask your Hospital Consultant, GP or Epilepsy Specialist Nurse to sign.
• You have a mental illness, learning difficulty or personality disorder that is recognised under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and has lasted for more than a year. You must need to travel to health or social care appointments as part of treatment activities, care or a rehabilitation programme. Your ability to travel must also be impaired. Please contact your Local Authority for advice on how and where to apply.
• You have a terminal illness. Take your award notice that shows you receive higher or middle rate of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance when you apply. A DS1500 report, hospice admittance letter or confirmation that you are registered on a Scottish hospice register is also acceptable.
• You have a progressive degenerative condition. Conditions such as Parkinson's Disease that impede your mobility entitle you to free bus travel. Ask your hospital consultant to provide a letter confirming that your condition is considered ‘progressive degenerative' and that it severely impedes your mobility and ability to carry out day to day activities . This wording should appear on any documentary evidence.
• You have lost one or more limbs. If you have lost one or both legs, both arms or an arm and a leg you are entitled to free bus travel. Request a letter from your prosthetic clinic/centre, physiotherapist or rehabilitation centre for your application.
• You are an injured veteran with mobility problems. You will qualify if you have received a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces and Compensation Scheme within tariff levels 1 - 8 (inclusive) and the Secretary of State certifies that you have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking. You will need to produce a certification letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. You will also qualify under the same criteria if your injuries do not hinder your mobility but the injury can be cross referenced to the descriptors within the AFCS Injuries Table as detailed.
• If you receive a War Pensioner Mobility Supplement you are also eligible. Please provide a letter from the Veterans Agency or Ministry of Defence in your application.

Viberduo

Prinzessilein wrote: »

Each council will have their own criteria for eligibility for a bus pass. I qualify as I would not be able to get a driving licence on medical grounds ( the grounds must not be not alcohol/drug abuse related)

In Scotland its not done by the council but local transport authority, as I live near Glasgow its Strathclyde parthership for transport(SPT) which also covered where I lived before even though its a different counil/authority so they will accept the same things.

Whilst I havent been turned down for a driving license neither have I applied for one as I have problems with severe anxiety, and I cannot guage field of view very well so I would probably crash a car so wouldnt be very suitable, I have zero coordination or concentration and my eyes basically glass over/space out, it was only until a few years ago in my mid twenties I stopped tripping over my own feet, walking into walls/lampposts, and used to bang my head on ends of sinks, kitchen cupboards etc and still cant even tie my laces correct/tie a knot.

If anything it seems too easy to get a bus pass here in many ways, the amount of junkies in both towns I have lived that bring on their friends for free or get buses to their dealers and boast about how they are getting taxis back from dealer etc, I dont know how they even get them unless they play the mental heatlh card.

GlasweJen

Apply for a provisional drivers licence, declare all of your problems and don't enclose a cheque/payment.

You'll be sent a letter saying that the DVLA wish to assess your health further and attend a centre or you'll get an official letter back saying that you're not medically fit to drive.

If you are fit to drive but don't want to ask your GP if he will support a claim on mental health grounds - get him to write a letter and stamp your form.

take that letter with your form to Buchanan bus station (don't go right before they close or the lady will not be impressed). Go to the ticket office, ring the green bell and wait on a chair. 1 week later you'll be in possession of your shiny new bus pass.

Viberduo

Having a bit of a issue getting the NCT002 form which needs to be filled in and signed, went to Buchanan bus station today and was told you cant print them online and they don't hand them out, you can only get them from social work office so phoned social work and was told they dont do them!

I already have a bus pass on mental health/learning difficulty grounds its just renewal thats the problem.

molerat

Have you phoned the SPT helpline for guidance 0141 333 3211 or ENABLE Scotland on 0141 226 4541

GlasweJen

I would imagine the NCT002 would be more likely to be found in a doctors office than a social work office. I'd ask your GP/CPN for one.

karmacookie

our local council offices supply the NCT002 forms