Following the Phase 1 expansion earlier this year, eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard has now been widened again this autumn for Phase 2.
The Disabled Persons Railcard gives the holder and one adult companion 1/3 off most rail fares across Great Britain.
Phase 2 eligibility expansion
You may now be eligible if you have a long-term impairment, health condition or neurodivergence that:
Has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months
Creates significant disability-related barriers when using rail services
Can be supported by evidence from an appropriately qualified health or social care professional
Applications under this new route are assessed individually and there is no fixed list of qualifying conditions or diagnoses.
Evidence required
Youll need either:
A report or letter from a regulated health professional explaining how your condition affects your ability to use rail services or
A completed Impact Declaration Form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional
Accepted professionals include doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, registered social workers and other appropriately regulated professionals.
Applications submitted through this route are independently assessed based on how the condition affects rail travel. If an application is unsuccessful, the Railcard fee is refunded and there is an appeal process available.
Railcard benefits
1/3 off most rail fares
Adult companion also receives the discount
£20 for 1 year
£54 for 3 years
Average saving of £132 per year according to Rail Delivery Group
Full Info Eligibility Criteria & Evidence Required
You may be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard if you:
Receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) at any rate
Evidence: Copy of award letter showing current entitlement.
Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP) at:
Higher or lower rate mobility component or
Higher or middle rate care component
Evidence: Copy of current award letter.
Have a visual impairment
Evidence:
Social Services official stamp on application form or
Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), BP1 (Scotland) or BD8 certificate.
Have a hearing impairment
Evidence:
Social Services official stamp on application form or
NHS battery book, dispensing prescription, or other official evidence confirming deafness or use of a hearing aid.
Have epilepsy
Evidence:
Document from a health professional confirming epilepsy and
Copy of prescription for epilepsy medication.
Receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP)
Evidence: Copy of award letter.
Receive War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
Evidence: Copy of award letter.
Receive a War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
Evidence: Copy of award letter.
Lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme
Evidence: Copy of current leasing agreement.
Phase 1 Expansion (from March 2026)
Hold a Disabled Persons Bus Pass (England, Scotland or Wales)
Evidence: Copy of bus pass.
Hold a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
Evidence: Copy of Freedom Pass.
Hold a Blue Badge
Evidence: Copies of both front and back of Blue Badge.
Are unable to drive on medical grounds
Evidence:
Letter from DVLA or
Letter from a health professional confirming inability to drive on medical grounds (dated within the last 2 years).
Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) benefits
Evidence: Copy of AFCS award letter.
Receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher
Evidence: Copy of award letter.
Are without speech
Evidence: Document from a health professional confirming this.
Phase 2 Expansion (from 30 September 2026)
Have an impairment, health condition or neurodivergence that:
Has lasted, or is likely to last, at least 12 months and
Causes significant barriers when using rail services
Evidence required (one of the following):
A report or letter from a suitably qualified health professional explaining how the condition affects ability to use rail services or
A completed Impact Declaration Form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional.
Accepted professionals include:
Doctor (GP or Consultant)
Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapist
Psychologist
Registered Social Worker
Other suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professionals
Additional notes:
Diagnosis alone may not be sufficient for conditions with variable impact.
Applications are independently assessed based on the impact on rail travel.
There is no fixed list of qualifying conditions under this route.
Applicants must demonstrate significant disability-related barriers to rail travel.
