Money Moral Dilemma: Should I get a Disabled Person's Railcard when my condition doesn't affect me?

Ed264

Your first sentence answers your question - I qualify for a Disabled Person's Railcard. If you do a little research into the salaries of the Network Rail Executive Committee, yes you should apply for your discount! 

BHeath2Bay

If the rules as currently drafted indicate that you are eligible, then you should certainly apply The fact that you appear to be in remission at present is a bonus - that might not always remain the case, so you should be prepared. Go for it!

[Deleted User]

You are not entitled to this unless you need it, using it otherwise is abuse of the system intended to help those who do need it.  Anyone selfish and greedy enough to do that is corrupt.  Perhaps one day they'll need assistance, and find it isn't enough because others are similarly abusing the system.  Our taxes pay for benefits, don't the people supporting abuse of the system know it's their money they're suggesting should be taken by people who don't need it?

Muttleythefrog

[Deleted User] said:

You are not entitled to this unless you need it, using it otherwise is abuse of the system intended to help those who do need it.  Anyone selfish and greedy enough to do that is corrupt.  Perhaps one day they'll need assistance, and find it isn't enough because others are similarly abusing the system.  Our taxes pay for benefits, don't the people supporting abuse of the system know it's their money they're suggesting should be taken by people who don't need it?

It's a railcard not a benefit as such. It's something you buy to get discounts on your rail tickets just like other railcards. Someone is entitled to a Disabled Railcard if they 1. meet the criteria and 2. apply and pay for it.

A wealthy pensioner likewise could get a Senior Railcard. There are an array of railcard including regional ones and ones for 2 people travelling together.

Having a disabled railcard doesn't get you assistance - it does allow you to also get 1/3rd off ticket prices for a companion.

The best way to save money on tickets is to know your travel plans well in advance so you can buy the cheapest tickets when they go on sale. You can save perhaps even 60% or 70% on fares this way and indeed this means even people using railcards may be sat next to people doing the same journey who paid less for full price tickets.

I've not seen any analysis on whether railcards or any specific railcards are financially beneficial to rail companies or that sector or not... and from that I've no evidence that such places greater or lesser demands on any public funds (an issue you raise either in error or broadly). Clearly railcards can reduce prices you pay for tickets but on the other hand they also will encourage greater rail travel due to the terms of some encouraging more to travel (e.g. a companion) and making such travel more viable in affordability. Some will not recoup savings on tickets greater than they paid for the railcard - I'm a good example as I pay for a disabled railcard but rarely travel by train. The current mass reduction in bus fares... paid for by government..i.e. taxpayer... will also be encouraging many to travel by bus rather than rail and of course many of those getting their discounted £2 bus tickets will be wealthy or more than capable of paying for non subsidised fares.

papertiger

As an epileptic myself, and not being allowed to drive, I feel this person is very lucky to be so long without a fit therefore I would say let the people who do need it, have it.  Without going too dismal, though - until you are told you cannot drive, enjoy what you are allowed  -  I am not allowed.

squirrel59

No need to be a martyr. They make you renew your license every three years, so have that railcard.

Muttleythefrog

papertiger said:

As an epileptic myself, and not being allowed to drive, I feel this person is very lucky to be so long without a fit therefore I would say let the people who do need it, have it.  Without going too dismal, though - until you are told you cannot drive, enjoy what you are allowed  -  I am not allowed.

Far clarity, someone getting any railcard will not prevent others getting one. People can acquire railcards by paying for them and meeting any criteria specific to the railcard type. There are no quotas.

pdrs154

Of course you should. We get precious little from the government, and if you meet the eligibility criteria you should absolutely get whatever you're entitled to.

dobbiesloan

If it is free, take it & use it

Spoonie_Turtle

dobbiesloan said:

If it is free, take it & use it

It's not though
(However it is cheaper than the other railcards, to be fair.)