Expansion to the Disabled Persons Railcard eligibility criteria
On 5 November, it was announced by Government that from 1 March 2026, eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard will expand to include a wider range of disabilities.
The types of evidence required to support applications will also be updated. This means that more people will be eligible to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard and begin saving 1/3 on their train journeys across Great Britain.
The eligibility criteria expansion is happening in 2 phases, to include the following:
Phase 1, launching 1 March 2026, will extend eligibility to those who:
- Receive a Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland or Wales
- Receive a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
- Have a Blue Badge
- Are currently unable to drive on medical grounds
- Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) benefits
- Receive Industrial Injuries Benefit for 20% degree of disablement or higher
- Are without speech
These individuals should all possess documentation that evidences that they meet the threshold for eligibility and will be integrated into the existing Disabled Persons Railcard application process from March 2026.
Phase 2, launching September 2026, will further extend eligibility to disabilities and conditions that require professional health evidence and more detailed assessment, including some long-term or degenerative medical conditions, and neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person's ability to travel by train.
More detailed evidentiary requirements will be made available for this phase closer to implementation in September 2026.
More information on the eligibility expansion will be added to this page as it becomes available.
FAQs
Q: Why is the eligibility criteria happening in phases?
A: The new criteria include both simple to assess criteria (for example, whether someone possesses a particular document to evidence their disability) and more complex criteria (such as a long-term medical condition that impacts people’s ability to travel by train).
We are implementing simpler criteria first, so that passengers can start benefiting from the Disabled Persons Railcard as soon as possible. We will implement the more complex criteria in September 2026 to ensure there is a robust assessment process in place where more complex evidence may be required.
Q: How will this impact the application process for new Disabled Persons Railcard holders?
A: The application process will be updated to include clearer guidance and expanded eligibility criteria. More information will be made available in due course.
Q: Will the cost of the Disabled Persons Railcard increase?
A: There are currently no plans to increase the cost of the Disabled Persons Railcard.
Q: Does this impact the benefits of a Disabled Persons Railcard?
A: The Disabled Persons Railcard offers 1/3 off rail travel across Great Britain for both the Railcard holder and one accompanying adult. The Railcard costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years and can save the holder £126 on average annually.
These changes will have no impact on the offer for customers, and simply mean that more people will be able to apply and benefit from the Disabled Persons Railcard.
Q: I'm already a Disabled Persons Railcard holder. How will these changes impact me?
A: These upcoming changes to the eligibility criteria won’t affect your current Railcard or your eligibility. You can continue using your Railcard as usual without any disruption.