Eligible for Disabled Railcard?

eng_muffin

I looked into getting a Disabled Railcard, which would save me a LOT of money, but it says you have to be in receipt of ... then lists every disability benefit except ESA, which is what I have. Although I should be eligible for PIP, I had to appeal twice and still got turned down because the evidence I submitted was ignored. I don't have epilepsy or any of the other things that would make me valid for the railcard. Has anyone got any suggestions? I've thought about contacting National Rail direct, but I'm not sure how I could make my argument.

poppy12345

eng_muffin wrote: »

I looked into getting a Disabled Railcard, which would save me a LOT of money, but it says you have to be in receipt of ... then lists every disability benefit except ESA, which is what I have. Although I should be eligible for PIP, I had to appeal twice and still got turned down because the evidence I submitted was ignored. I don't have epilepsy or any of the other things that would make me valid for the railcard. Has anyone got any suggestions? I've thought about contacting National Rail direct, but I'm not sure how I could make my argument.

Unfortunately that is the criteria for the disabled rail card, ESA isn't one of them. As you don't fall under that criteria then i'm not even sure how you could even begin to argue your case. If they did bend the rules for you, then they would have to do the same for everyone.

[Deleted User]

Epilepsy would entitle you to free bus travel but on its own not to a rail card.

poppy12345

venison wrote: »

Epilepsy would entitle you to free bus travel but on its own not to a rail card.

That's not correct. Epilepsy will entitle someone to a disabled rail card without a PIP or DLA award. See this link.
https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/are-you-eligible/

[Deleted User]

eng_muffin wrote: »

I looked into getting a Disabled Railcard, which would save me a LOT of money, but it says you have to be in receipt of ... then lists every disability benefit except ESA, which is what I have. Although I should be eligible for PIP, I had to appeal twice and still got turned down because the evidence I submitted was ignored. I don't have epilepsy or any of the other things that would make me valid for the railcard. Has anyone got any suggestions? I've thought about contacting National Rail direct, but I'm not sure how I could make my argument.

There is no argument. You either meet the criteria or not. They won't bend the rules for you.

GlasweJen

ESA is more of a sickness benefit than a disability benefit so that's probably their logic. Would you be entitled to PIP if you applied?

poppy12345

GlasweJen wrote: »

ESA is more of a sickness benefit than a disability benefit so that's probably their logic. Would you be entitled to PIP if you applied?

I believe the OP has tried twice and failed and that's with at least 1 tribunal, to my knowledge.

GlasweJen

poppy12345 wrote: »

I believe the OP has tried twice and failed and that's with at least 1 tribunal, to my knowledge.

Duh, I skimmed the OP.

The card is fairly easy to get and inclusive for most disabled people in terms of even if your PIP lapses you can still get it so if you're not banned from driving on medical grounds, visually impaired, a hearing aid user or blue badge holder you're not the target group for the card.

There are other railcards, down side is they can't be used during the morning rush hour but they are easier to get and the two together card gets a discount for two travellers like the disabled rail card does.

eng_muffin

The target group for the card should be disabled people--it really irritates me when stuff like this hinges on DWP decisions, which as we all know are based on a deeply flawed system. I managed to get a Priority Seat Card from Southern with a GP letter but that's not good enough for NR. I guess because railcards involve money.

I've looked into other railcards. I used to have a 16-25 one but I'm no longer in the age range, the 26-30 has ended, I'm not a senior, the minimum fare for a Network Railcard is more than my usual ticket, and I usually travel alone so that rules out the others.

poppy12345

eng_muffin wrote: »

The target group for the card should be disabled people--it really irritates me when stuff like this hinges on DWP decisions, which as we all know are based on a deeply flawed system. I managed to get a Priority Seat Card from Southern with a GP letter but that's not good enough for NR. I guess because railcards involve money.

I've looked into other railcards. I used to have a 16-25 one but I'm no longer in the age range, the 26-30 has ended, I'm not a senior, the minimum fare for a Network Railcard is more than my usual ticket, and I usually travel alone so that rules out the others.

ESA isn't a disability benefit though as has already been stated. It's a sickness benefit for those who have a limited capability for work. It's totally different.



The disabled rail card isn't just aimed at those that claim a disability benefit, those that have a visual/hearing impairment and epilepsy will qualify too. Unfortunately that's the criteria.

[Deleted User]

poppy12345 wrote: »

That's not correct. Epilepsy will entitle someone to a disabled rail card without a PIP or DLA award. See this link.
https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/are-you-eligible/

Thats interesting I really didn't know that was the case, but I would rather not have epilepsy than have a railcard