Disabled Person's Freedom Pass
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- Application process
- Eligibility
- Automatic eligibility
- Discretionary eligibility
- Proof of address
- Appeals
- Replacing lost, stolen or faulty passes
What is the Disabled Person's Freedom Pass?
From 1 April 2008, all freedom passes issued to older London residents and most freedom passes issued to disabled London residents can be used on local bus services anywhere in England.
Outside of London, these pass holders will be able to travel free between 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and on public holidays. Freedom Pass holder can still travel for free in London.
You will need to show your freedom passes and photocard to the bus driver.
A freedom pass will only be valid outside London if it has been renewed and re-stickered with a 2010 expiry date, a red rose logo and a bus hologram. The pass will not be valid on tram, light rail, metro or train services outside of London.
All renewal applications are treated the same as a brand new application.
|Back to topApplication process
- Apply online - Apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass or
- pick up an application form from any of the Customer Service Centres or
- Contact Concessionary Travel on Tel 020 8489 1878 / 1865 for an application pack or
- Download and print the application form (see attached files section below)
Please note: The Blue Badge Replacement application form is only required if you have had your Blue Badge lost or stolen. See the replacing lost, stolen or faulty passes section for more information
Please read the Guidance Form first to help you with the application process (see the attached files section below).
|Back to topEligibility
All permanent Haringey residents aged 5 or over who meet the eligibility criteria contained within the London Transport Act 2000, are eligible.
Automatic Eligibility
1. Any applicant who is registered blind or partially sighted. An applicant needs to provide:
- registration card/letter issued by the sensory impairment team or
- a BD8 report issued from a hospital.
2. Any applicant in receipt of a war pensioner’s mobility supplement
- up to date evidence required
3. Any applicant in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at the higher rate for mobility (help with getting around):
- current letter of entitlement is required or
- a copy of a current Motability finance agreement.
Applicants who meet the automatic eligibility criteria can go in person to one of the following Customer Service Centres.
|Back to topDiscretionary Eligibility
- Applicants who do not meet the automatic eligibility criteria may be considered under the discretionary criteria subject to a medical report completed by their own doctor.
- People with a hearing or speech impairment. Those profoundly deaf must have a hearing loss of at least 70dbhl (an audiology report would confirm this)
- People with a walking impairment where the disability has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their mobility. The condition needs to have been sustained in excess of three years. The disability must seriously impair their ability to walk.
- People who are deemed medically unfit to drive a vehicle. The grounds for denying a driving licence include Epilepsy (unless it is a type which does not pose a danger), a severe mental disorder, liability to sudden attacks of giddiness or fainting. Inability to read a registration plate in good light at 20.05 metres (with lenses if worn). Any other disability likely to cause the driving of vehicles by them to be a source of danger to the public.
- People without the long-term use of both arms
- People with severe learning difficulties
- People with a severe and enduring mental illness actively engaged in a care programme. Evidence is required revealing how the illness adversely affects their normal day to day living activities. A mental health report needs to be completed by a Doctor or psychiatrist. Mental health assessments are undertaken by a team of mental health specialists, which can take up to six weeks to process.
Proof of Address
Applicants who meet either the automatic or discretionary eligibility criteria are also required to provide evidence of Haringey residency such as:
- current Letter of Pension Entitlement
- current Council Tax bill / letter / payment book / benefits.
- current Council / Housing Association rent book.
- Television Licence.
The following items if dated in the last 3 months are also acceptable:
- Residential Utility bill
- Residential Bank / Building Society statement
- Inland Revenue letter
- Benefits Agency letter
- Letter of Pension Entitlement or Occupational Pension letter.
- Residential credit card statement.
Along with two passport size photographs as well as proof of Haringey residence.
|Back to topAppeals
Applicants who are unsuccessful will be notified in writing, advising them that they have the right to appeal within 30 days of the original decision. Any appeal needs to be in writing providing additional medical evidence to support their application.
|Back to topReplacing Lost, Stolen or Faulty Passes
All Disabled Persons' Freedom Passes are now issued by the Post Office. If your Freedom Pass is faulty, lost or stolen please telephone the Concessionary Travel department on 020 8489 1878 or 020 8489 1865 to obtain a letter authorising your replacement.
Please do not go to the Post office without this letter as they will be unable to issue a replacement permit.
Please note: If you have previously lost or had your permit stolen, you will need a Lost Property Slip or Crime Reference Number before a permit can be replaced
You will be required to provide one passport size photograph and proof of name and address, and acceptable documentation indicated above.
|Back to top|
Update MePage Last Updated: 29 September 2008
This page belongs to the following categories :
- Transport and streets > Public transport > Fares, passes and permits
