Welcome to a new mini-series of ABLE2 titled 'Cashing-in'. Over the next few weeks we will investigate how use can use your disability to your advantage and save some hard earn cash.

CASHING-IN:

TICKET TO RIDE.

What exactly is a Disabled Persons Railcard?

Published: 29th July 2010

Most people associate the Great Train Robbery with a chap called Bruce Reynolds who was the mastermind behind the historic hoist back in 1963. Others however may regard the modern day train robbery with British Rail themselves who charge criminal rates for their passengers traveling A to B.

The holder of the card is entitled to a 1/3 off most rail fares and can also bring a traveling companion who is eligible for the same discount. The Railcard doesn't come free, it will set you back £18 a year or £48 for three years.

So, are you eligible for one these cards? Well if you answer 'yes' to any of these questions you can apply...

Are you registered as having a visual impairment or blind as a bat?

Do you have to use a hearing aid or registered as having a hearing impairment?

Do you spaz out with epileptic attacks? (You will only be entitled to a Disabled Railcard if your epilepsy medication complies within the National Society for Epilepsy (NSE) guidelines.)

Are you one of those people who scrounge money off the government by claiming Disability Living Allowance and fall in the higher or lower rate for mobility or the higher or lower rate for personal care?

Do you receive Attendance or Severe Disablement Allowance?

Are you one of those war veterans who manage to scam War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement or War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability?...If so please don't sit near us and bore us with your gallant stories from the Second World War!

Do you buy/ leash one of those funny invalid vehicles from the Motability scheme?

Are you gay? No, sorry this one doesn't comply - Our mistake!!

For younger travelers with a disability (Aged 5-15) they are entitled to a disabled railcard, the difference being is that they can bring an adult along who can qualify for the 1/3 off the standard fare whilst they can take advantage of the 50% discount which is available to any traveler under the age of 16.

One common misunderstanding is that blue badge holders are automatically eligible for a Disabled Railcard - this is not the case as blue badges are also available to those who have short term illnesses and have to lug around hefty medical stuff for passengers who require specific needs.

If you are a genuine spaz and manage to loose your card an additional £5 or £10 (depending on an annual or three-year subscription) will allow you to replace your railcard.

Related Links on ABLE2

CASHING IN: Blue Badge

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