In England, people who have certain disabilities can qualify for a free bus pass at any age, without waiting until State Pension age. Under national guidance, seven main types of condition can make you automatically eligible for a disabled person’s bus pass if you meet the detailed criteria and live in England.
Who can get a free disabled person’s bus pass
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme gives free off‑peak bus travel to older and eligible disabled people. While most people must wait until State Pension age, disabled people can qualify earlier if they fall into one of the “eligible disabled” categories set out in government guidance. You apply through your local council, which checks your evidence against these categories.
A disabled person’s bus pass generally gives free local bus travel at any time within your council area and free off‑peak travel (typically 9:30 am to 11 pm weekdays, all day weekends and bank holidays) across England, though exact rules can vary slightly by authority.
The seven main conditions that may qualify you
Government guidance to councils lists seven broad categories under which you can be treated as “eligible disabled” for bus‑pass purposes. If you fall into one of these and can provide evidence, you may automatically qualify for a disabled person’s pass:
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Blind or partially sighted – for example, registered blind or severely sight‑impaired, or partially sighted/visually impaired to a qualifying standard.
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Profoundly or severely deaf – usually based on audiology evidence showing significant bilateral hearing loss.
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Without speech – unable to communicate orally in any language, or having a severe, long‑term speech impairment.
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Substantial and long‑term walking disability – a physical disability or injury which has a serious, lasting effect on your ability to walk (for example, severe arthritis, MS, some neurological or mobility conditions).
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No arms or long‑term loss of use of both arms – such as bilateral upper‑limb amputation or comparable loss of function.
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Would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds – for example, certain types of epilepsy, severe mental disorder, conditions causing sudden blackouts, or serious visual impairment, but not including drug or alcohol misuse.
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Learning disability (severe or moderate) – where the disability began before adulthood and significantly affects intellectual functioning and everyday independence.
Local authorities use DfT guidance to interpret these categories and may also consider related conditions, such as progressive degenerative diseases, some forms of dementia or other severe mental disorders, where they meet the threshold in law.
Summary of eligible disability categories
| Category (England) | Examples of evidence councils may ask for |
|---|---|
| Blind or partially sighted | Registration as blind/partially sighted; consultant or GP letter. |
| Profoundly or severely deaf | Audiology or consultant letter confirming qualifying hearing loss. |
| Without speech | Specialist or GP letter confirming severe, long‑term speech impairment. |
| Substantial, long‑term walking disability | Disability benefits, Blue Badge, medical reports showing severe mobility limits. |
| No arms or long‑term loss of use of both arms | Letters from hospital, prosthetics clinic or rehab centre. |
| Refused driving licence on medical grounds (non‑substance) | DVLA revocation/refusal letter or medical proof you do not meet driving standards. |
| Severe or moderate learning disability | Education/health‑care plans, specialist or social‑care reports confirming level of impairment. |
How to check if you qualify
Although the national categories are set by the Department for Transport, each council handles applications and may publish its own detailed guidance and example documents. Typically, you will need to:
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Live in the council area where you are applying.
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Provide proof of identity, address and a recent photograph.
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Submit medical or official evidence showing you fit one of the seven categories (such as disability‑benefit award letters, hospital or consultant reports, DVLA correspondence, or learning‑disability assessments).
Many councils also cross‑reference other benefits—such as certain rates of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment or a Blue Badge—as supporting proof for mobility or disability‑related eligibility.
Differences between older‑person and disabled passes
An older person’s pass is based on age (linked to State Pension age) and normally gives free off‑peak bus travel across England, with some local add‑ons. A disabled person’s pass is based on meeting one of the disability categories and can be issued at any qualifying age.
In some areas, disabled‑pass holders may get extra benefits compared with standard older‑person passes, such as free or cheaper travel before 9:30 am or on other modes (tram, local rail), particularly if they rely heavily on public transport for work, education or medical appointments. This is decided locally, so entitlements can differ between councils.
What to do if your condition is not listed exactly
If your condition is not named word‑for‑word but has similar effects—for example, a neurological disorder that severely affects walking, a progressive degenerative disease that impacts mobility, or a mental‑health condition that would lead DVLA to refuse you a licence—your council may still treat you as eligible under one of the seven broad categories, based on the DfT guidance.
In borderline or more complex cases, councils may seek an independent medical assessment or ask for more detailed letters from consultants or GPs. If you are refused a pass and believe you should qualify, you can usually ask for a review or provide further evidence. Local advice agencies, disability charities and carers’ organisations can often help you interpret the rules and prepare an application.
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FAQs
Q1: Do I automatically get a free bus pass if I have one of these conditions?
You are “automatically” eligible in principle if you clearly meet one of the seven categories, but you still have to apply and provide evidence to your local council.
Q2: Can I get a disabled person’s bus pass if I’m under State Pension age?
Yes. Disability‑based passes are not age‑dependent; they are available at any age if you meet the qualifying criteria and live in England.
Q3: Where do I apply for a disabled person’s bus pass?
Apply through your local council via the GOV.UK “Apply for a disabled person’s bus pass” page, which redirects you to the correct local authority for forms and evidence requirements.
