Getting a bus pass: a guide to applying for a National Entitlement Card

Getting a bus pass: a guide to applying for a National Entitlement Card CONTENTS PAGE 1. Introduction 2 2. How to apply 2 3. Who qualifies for a National Entitlement Card? 3 4. How to qualify if you have a learning disability 6 5. What to do if you are turned down 7 6. Travelling with a companion 8 7. Other concessions 8 8. For more information 9 ENABLE Scotland Leading the way in learning disability

On 1 April 2006 the National Bus Travel Concession Scheme was introduced. This created a Scotland-wide scheme that entitles people over 60 and many disabled people to apply for an Entitlement Card for free bus travel. The new rules mean that everyone in Scotland now has the same rights to free bus travel. Before April 2006, some areas were operating their own schemes which may have had more generous rules. For example, in certain areas anyone receiving lower rate Disability Living Allowance (DLA) could travel free. Under the new national rules, people who get lower rate DLA are no longer entitled to an Entitlement Card though there may be other ways they can qualify. Everyone who was already part of a local concessionary travel scheme was automatically transferred to the new national scheme in 2006 without having to be re-assessed at that time. This means many people are not aware there have been any changes to the rules. However, when existing travel cards expire, holders need to show they meet the new national criteria before the cards are renewed. This guide has been written by ENABLE Scotland to help people with learning disabilities to apply for a national Entitlement Card and to be able to renew their card successfully. It may also assist families, advocacy workers, supporters or advisers to guide someone with a learning disability through the process. 2. How to apply There are 2 main groups of people that are eligible for a National Entitlement Card. These are: people aged 60 and older people who are disabled and whose disability affects their ability to travel ENABLE Scotland, 2013 2

Applications for older people This is the simplest way to get a bus pass. If you are over 60 there is an application form called a Form LS304. You should be able to get one from your local authority, a travel centre or any Post Office depending on where you live. Your local authority will be able to give you more information (see Section 9 below for contact details). Applications for disabled people If you are applying because you have a disability then you need Form NCT001. These application forms are available from your local authority and there is a list of who to contact at the end of this guide (in section 9). You should ask to speak to the person responsible for the concessionary travel scheme and they will send a form to you. When you receive the form you should complete sections 1,2 and 3. You then need to deliver the form in person to the part of your local authority that deals with the form and an official will complete the remaining sections. You should have been told where to take the form but if you are not sure where to go, ask your local authority for this information. You also need to take the following items with you: - 1. Proof of your address. For example, a Council Tax or utility bill. 2. A passport photograph with your name and the number of your application form written in block capitals on the back. The photo must be taken within the last year, and be a close-up of head and shoulders, with a plain background. 3. Documents that prove you qualify under one of the sections for disabled people. The documents that can be accepted are listed below. 3. Who qualifies for a National Entitlement Card? Firstly, you need to live in Scotland. Secondly, you need to fall into one of the following categories : ENABLE Scotland, 2013 3

You are eligible if : This proof will be accepted: a You are aged over 60 Birth certificate, passport, photo driving licence, Attendance Allowance Award letter b (i) b (ii) b (iii) b (iv) You receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) You receive the middle or higher rate care component of DLA You receive Attendance Allowance or the Personal Independence Payment You receive a mobility supplement as part of a war pension Award letter or confirmation of award dated within the last 12 months. Award letter or confirmation of award dated within the last 12 months. Award letter or confirmation of award dated within the last 12 months. Award notice or letter of confirmation from the Veterans Agency dated within the last 12 months. b (v) You are a Blue Badge holder Your Blue Badge or V11 licensing reminder from DVLA or form DLA 404 from the DWP (confirming receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of the DLA). c (i) c (ii) d e You are registered blind or partially sighted You have been refused a driving licence as you would fail to meet the eyesight standard You are profoundly deaf or severely deaf in both ears with a bilateral hearing loss greater than 70dBHL, averaged over 1,2 & 4 KHz You live in a residential home or hospital and are eligible for the middle or higher rate care component of DLA, Attendance Allowance or the Personal Independence Payment Blind Registration Certificate, letter from local authority, RNIB or other registered blind society. Letters D206, D235, D220 or NS57 from the Drivers Medical Branch of the DVLA. Audiologist written report, or letter from Hospital consultant, or letter from a Society for Deaf People confirming you are profoundly or severely deaf, dated within the last 12 months. Award letter or confirmation of dated within the last 12 months, or a letter from the care home confirming that you receive 24- hour care and that you would be eligible. ENABLE Scotland, 2013 4

You are eligible if : This proof will be accepted: f g h You have been refused a driving licence or had your driving licence revoked on medical grounds People who have had their driving licence refused or revoked for persistent misuse of drugs and / or alcohol are excluded from applying in this category. You would be refused a driving licence on the grounds of physical fitness if you applied for one. Your ability to travel is impaired by a mental disorder that has persisted for more than a year and you need to travel in order to keep health or social care appointments or to take part in activities as part of a treatment, care or rehabilitation programme. [This refers to a mental disorder under the terms of the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. It covers people with mental health problems, people with learning disabilities and people with personality disorder. It is important that you can demonstrate that your ability to travel is impaired and your disorder has lasted more than a year and you need to travel for appointments or to take part in a care programme or service not A letter from the Drivers Medical Branch of the DVLA (eg D206, D235, D220 or NS57). The letter must be dated within the last 12 months or be able to confirm that the refusal of a licence is still currently valid. You need to supply confirmation of a medical condition and inability to meet the fitness standards required to hold a UK driving licence from a medical / health practitioner. Transport Scotland, Certificate Of Eligibility Mental Health (Form NCT002) signed by one of the following: Psychiatrist Community psychiatric nurse Educational psychologist Head Teacher of a Special School Occupational Therapist Mental Health Officer Social Worker specialising in mental health Clinical psychologist Support Service manager Day Service manager The form should be stamped by the signatory s organisation Some older NCT002 forms refer to a social care manager instead of the last four people listed above. If your form lists social care manager then ask ENABLE Scotland, 2013 5

i You are eligible if : just that you have a mental health problem, learning disability or personality disorder.] You are terminally ill or with a progressive degenerative condition that affects your mobility and ability to carry out day-to-day activities j You have lost One or both legs One leg and one arm Both arms This proof will be accepted: for a more up-to-date form. Hospice admittance letter DS1500 Report Confirmation that that the applicant is in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of the DLA or the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA Letter from hospital consultant confirming that you have a progressively degenerative condition which severely impedes your mobility and ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Written confirmation from prosthetics clinic, physiotherapist, or rehabilitation centre Confirmation that that the applicant is in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of the DLA or the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA 4. How to qualify if you have a learning disability a) Use your DLA or PIP entitlement The simplest way for most people with learning disabilities to qualify is by showing proof of entitlement to Disability Living Allowance or the Personal Independence Payment. You must get: - DLA mobility component at the higher rate or - DLA care component at the middle or higher rate or - Any rate of the Personal Independence Payment ENABLE Scotland, 2013 6

b) Use your Blue Badge or apply for one if you can Although most of the criteria for getting a Blue Badge are the same as for an Entitlement Card there are two different categories of people who can also qualify. 1. You have a severe disability in both upper limbs, drive a motor vehicle regularly but cannot turn the steering wheel by hand even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob. 2. You have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking. If you think you might fall into one of these categories then you could apply for a Blue Badge. If your application is successful then you will automatically qualify for an Entitlement Card. Remember that you do not need to have a car or access to a car to be entitled to a Blue Badge. c) Get someone to fill in Form NCT002 if you use a care service or have a treatment or rehabilitation plan Any person with a learning disability who needs to travel to or as part of a care service, or treatment or rehabilitation programme, should be able to qualify for a National Entitlement Card. Only certain people can fill in the form (see the list above) on your behalf. A care service can include a day service, a supported living service, a special college course, or using a supported employment service. Ask the manager of the service that you use. If the service is run by a voluntary organisation and not the local authority, then the manager may need to contact the local authority for advice about this form but you should be able to get it filled in by someone. 5. What to do if you are turned down Ask why you have been turned down If you have been turned down because you do not have proof of entitlement under one section, check if you can qualify under another section. Don t take no for an answer first time. If you find the application process difficult, ask for help from an advice worker, a support worker or a social worker. ENABLE Scotland, 2013 7

Some people are being turned down because they only get lower rate mobility component of DLA but remember there are other ways you can qualify. 6. Travelling with a companion Some disabled people are entitled to a National Entitlement Card with companion. This allows both you and another person to travel free of charge by bus. The companion can be a different person for different journeys and there is no need to have someone with you on every journey you make. To qualify you need to fall into one of the following categories: - 1. You receive the higher or middle rate of the care component of DLA 2. You receive the daily living component of PIP 3. You receive attendance allowance 4. You live in a residential home or hospital and are eligible for the higher or middle rate component of DLA, Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of the Personal Independence Payment 5. You have been certified or registered as blind or partially sighted If you meet any of the above conditions, then the person who validates your application form will complete section D on Form NCT001 when you apply for your National Entitlement card. You will get a card that has a special logo (+1) on it that tells the bus driver that someone is entitled to travel with you. 7. Other concessions People with a National Entitlement Card who live in the Scottish Islands qualify for a further benefit. Each year they should be sent, by post, 4 ferry vouchers for 2 free return journeys to the Scottish mainland on participating ferry services. If a cardholder qualifies for a Companion card then the companion can also travel free on the ferry. Some local authorities also offer rail concessions for cardholders and companions. This varies across Scotland so check with your local authority or Scotrail to find out the concessions in your area. ENABLE Scotland, 2013 8

8. For more information Contact your local concessionary travel information point. Local authority Contact Take your completed form to: Aberdeen City 01224 346834 email: accordhelp@accordaberdeen.co.uk The Point, and area offices in Mastrick, Marischal College and Kincorth Customer Point Aberdeenshire 08456 08 12 00 Selected council offices and email: entitlementcard@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Angus 08452 777 778 email; accessline@angus.gov.uk Argyll & Bute 0141 333 3211 City of Edinburgh 0131 200 2351 email: one-edinburgh@edinburgh.gov.uk Clackmannanshire 01259 452542 email: roads@clacks.gov.uk Application forms available from the Public Transport Unit, Development Services, Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa or telephone 01259 450000. Aberdeenshire post offices Angus Council Access offices in Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Monifieth, Montrose. Libraries You can hand in an application form and supply own photo or you can make an appointment to have photo taken and form completed at Limetree House, East Castle Street, Alloa. Appointments available each Wednesday between 10.30am and 11.30am or the last Wednesday of the month between 4.00pm and 5.00pm. Call 01259 450000 for advice ENABLE Scotland, 2013 9

Local authority Contact Take your completed form to: Comhairle nan 01851 822711 If you are over 60, you can apply for a Eilean Siar email: enquiries@cne-siar.gov.uk National Entitlement Card at any Post Office. Eligible, disabled customers can apply via their local Social Work office. Dumfries & Galloway 030 33 33 3000 email: NEC@dumgal.gov.uk You can now apply for or update your existing National Entitlement Card by using the new Tellytalk terminals available in the Ewart Library, Dumfries and Stranraer Library between 9.15am and 5pm Monday - Friday. Dundee City 01382 433267 Email: DDcard@dundeecity.gov.uk Complete the form and take with proof to your Local Dundee Library or Customer Services in Dundee House East Ayrshire 0141 333 3211 Email: freebus@spt.co.uk East Dunbartonshire 0141 333 3211 East Renfrewshire 0141 333 3211 East Lothian 01620 827367 / 827974 email: transportation@eastlothian.gov.uk Take the form to any local library. ENABLE Scotland, 2013 10

Local authority Contact Take your completed form to: Falkirk 01324 506420 / 504853 email: transportplanning@falkirk.gov.uk Concessions Unit, Abbotsford House, David s Loan, Falkirk (01324 506420) and council One Stop Shops Fife 03451 55 00 66 More information will be given on the email: myfife.card@fife.gov.uk Glasgow City 0141 333 3211 telephone Highland 01349 886604 email: public.transport@highland.gov.uk Inverclyde 0141 333 3211 Midlothian 0131 561 5445 email: ptu@midlothian.gov.uk Moray 01343 563200 email: transport@moray.gov.uk North Ayrshire 0141 333 3211 North Lanarkshire 0141 333 3211 Orkney Islands 01856 873535 email: customerservice@orkney.gov.uk Perth & Kinross 01738 475000 email: concessionarytravel@pkc.gov.uk Highland Council Service Points throughout the region Forms can be obtained from and handed in to any Midlothian library Any library or Council Access Point Customer Services, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY Selected council offices ENABLE Scotland, 2013 11

Local authority Contact Take your completed form to: Renfrewshire 0141 333 3211 Scottish Borders 0300 100 1800 Email: enquiries@scotborders.gov.uk At any contact centre or local library contact centre Shetland Islands 01595 744886 You need to come to Transport Planning Email: enquiries@shetland.gov.uk at 6 North Ness Business Park, Lerwick, to apply in person South Ayrshire 0141 333 3211 email; freebus@spt.co.uk. South Lanarkshire 0141 333 3211 email; freebus@spt.co.uk Stirling 01786 442704 email: TCC@stirling.gov.uk West 0141 333 3211 Dunbartonshire West Lothian 01506 280000 email: customer.service@westlothian.gov.uk Your local Q & A office. Stirling Bus Station, Goosecroft Road, Stirling (10am-12 noon and 2pm-4pm), and a mobile unit makes advertised visits throughout the region (see www.stirling.gov.uk for details) Council Information Service centres and local libraries Transport Scotland Tel: 0141 272 7100 Email: info@transportscotland.gsi.gov.uk www.transportscotland.gov.uk ENABLE Scotland, 2013 12

This has some general information on its website and can also answer any questions that you have relating to the operation of Scotland-wide free bus travel for Older and Disabled People. Date: 28/10/11 Every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information on this factsheet but if you spot any errors or can add to the information, please let us know. For further information about learning disability and related topics visit the or contact ENABLE Direct: 0300 0200 101 Monday Friday 9.00am 5.00pm ENABLE Scotland - This factsheet may be freely copied as long as the source is acknowledged ENABLE Scotland Charity no: SC009024 A limited company registered in Scotland No: 278976 Registered office 2 nd Floor, 146 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8BL ENABLE Scotland, 2013 13