Disabled Person's Bus Pass

Can I apply? 

If you have one or more of the disabilities listed, which lasts for 12 months or more and you can provide the supportive evidence listed, you will be entitled to a disabled person's NowCard.

Blind or partially sighted

Evidence required:

• certificate of visual impairment
• registration card
• a letter from an eye specialist confirming that you are severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted)
• Blue Badge issued.

Severely or profoundly deaf

Evidence Required:

• audiological report from an aural specialist indicating hearing loss has reached 70 dB HL or in both ears
• registration card.

Without speech

This does not cover people whose speech may be slow or difficult to understand, for example because of a severe stammer.

Evidence Required:

• Personal Independence Payment of 8 points or more for communicating verbally
• evidence from a medical professional that you are unable to communicate orally in any language.

Have a walking disability

To qualify under this category you would have to have a long term and substantial disability which means you cannot walk or which makes walking very difficult.

Evidence Required:

• Personal Independence Payment of 8 points or more for the moving around activity of the mobility component
• higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
• War Pensions Mobility Supplement
• Blue Badge (valid for at least 12 months)

Without the use of both arms

Evidence Required:

• Blue Badge (valid for at least 12 months)
• medical evidence to support that you are unable to use both arms for day to day tasks.

Learning Disability

Defined as a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning.  To qualify under this category all three criteria below must be met:

• the disability must have started before adulthood with a lasting effect on development
• a significantly reduced ability to understand complex information and to learn new skills
• a reduced ability to cope independently 

It does not include the following:

• Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or ADHD
• Autistic spectrum disorders unless accompanied by a significant impairment of intelligence
• mental health problems
• conditions which started after adulthood (eg brain injury)

Evidence Required:

• letter from the manager of the residential home or supported living accommodation where you are a resident
• letter from a medical professional or Social Services stating that you have a learning disability as defined (above)
• statement of special education needs or education health and care plan (stating moderate/severe learning disability).

Driving

You would be refused a driving licence due to physical fitness

This covers disabilities which are likely to cause the driving of vehicles to be a source of danger to the public, e.g. some types of epilepsy, severe mental disorders and dementia.

If you hold a valid driving licence (full or provisional) or your condition is a direct result of the misuse of drugs or alcohol you will not be eligible under this category. 

Evidence required:

• recent letter from the DLVA indicating refusal or withdrawal of your licence for a minimum of 12 months
• letter from a medical professional or specialist confirming that you are unfit to drive, detailing the reason and length of time for which you will be unable to drive.

For more information, please go to Cumberland Council's website.