The rules are changing on Sunday meaning lot more people can apply

More people will be able to buy a railcard for disabled train passengers from Sunday -0 giving you a third off the price of tickets. The eligibility criteria of the Disabled Persons Railcard is being extended to include a broader range of visible and non-visible disabilities.

Among the people who will become able to purchase it are those who have a Blue Badge, hold a disabled person’s bus pass, are unable to drive on medical grounds or are unable to talk. About 390,000 of the railcards are currently in circulation.

They cost £20 for one year or £54 for three years, and provide a 33% discount on train fares for the named card holder and an adult companion.

Changes to the eligibility criteria follow a review by the RDG, the Department for Transport and the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, which provides advice to the Government.

The eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard will be extended further in September to include conditions which require professional health evidence and more detailed assessment.

If you are disabled or have a progressive medical condition you are eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard if you:

• receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
• receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP) at either: the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or the higher or middle rate for the care component
• have a visual impairment
• have a hearing impairment
• have epilepsy
• receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP)
• receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
• receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
• buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme

The eligibility criteria expansion is happening in 2 phases, to include the following:

Phase 1, launching 1 March 2026, will extend eligibility to those who:

• Receive a Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland or Wales
• Receive a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
• Have a Blue Badge
• Are currently unable to drive on medical grounds
• Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) benefits
• Receive Industrial Injuries Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher
• Are without speech

These individuals should all possess documentation that evidences that they meet the threshold for eligibility and will be integrated into the existing Disabled Persons Railcard application process from March 2026.

Phase 2 , launching September 2026, will further extend eligibility to disabilities and conditions that require professional health evidence and more detailed assessment, including some long-term or degenerative medical conditions, and neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train.

You can check your eligibility and apply for the card here.