FAQs

I'm a child and I have a disability. Am I eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard?

Yes. Five to 16-year olds that have a disability listed on the application form qualify for a Railcard. This doesn't enable you to save money yourself (the usual child discount of 50% is a much better rate) but it does give a 1/3 off the standard fare to one adult travelling with you.

 

Where can people get the information here in a different format such as Large Print, Easy Read or Audio?

Here! You can download Word, pdf and audio versions of our leaflet "Rail Travel Made Easy" and our application here. If you require information in a format other than these - such as Braille - please contact the Disabled Persons Railcard Office.

 

What do I do if my Railcard is lost, stolen or damaged?

You should contact the Disabled Persons Railcard Office. There is currently a £5 administration fee to replace a lost or damaged railcard. ITo prove  your railcard has been stolen you must have a police crime reference number or documentation.

 

Am I responsible for ensuring that I renew my railcard?

Yes, you must make sure that your railcard is renewed in good time, because a railcard that has expired is not valid for use. We will try to send you a reminder and a renewal form a few weeks before your railcard expires.

 

Can I claim a refund if I do not use my Railcard?

No. Unfortunately, refunds are not normally given on unused or unwanted Disabled Persons Railcards.

 

How long an application does a disabled persons railcard normally take to process? Can claim back for any travel made during the interim period of application to processing?

It takes approximately 10 working days to obtain a Disabled Persons Railcard. You are not entitled to claim back any discounts for any travel made. You must have your railcard before you travel in order to obtain a discount.

 

Can I reserve a seat or seats if booking a ticket or tickets in advance?

Yes, many of the train companies allow you to reserve a seat free of charge on long distance journeys. If an accompanying adult is travelling with you, then you will need to reserve two seats.

 

Will I have to pay the full fare if I forget to bring my Railcard when I travel? 

Yes. You must show your valid railcard when you are buying your tickets, and if you are buying tickets for an accompanying adult, you must also have your railcard with you when you show your tickets to members of staff when you travel. If you cannot show your valid railcard, then you and any accompanying adult will have to pay the full fare.

 

Can I use my Railcard for tickets on the London Underground? 

All discounted rail tickets (purchased with your railcard), which allow travel via London Underground are valid for your cross-London journey on the London Underground. Some Off Peak One Day Travelcards are available, subject to a minimum fare. Don't forget that if you are resident within the Greater London area and are disabled or aged 60 or above you are elligible for a Freedom Pass. This gives you free off-peak travel on buses, Underground services and rail services within the London Zones.