In the UK, several disability assistance cards and schemes are available to help people with disabilities access services and support more easily. Some of these are paid, but the cost is usually really low and your overall savings will massively outweigh how much you spend on getting the card itself. Here are some of the key options:
- JAM Card: This stands for “Just A Minute.” It’s a discreet way for people with a learning disability, autism, or communication barriers to ask for a little extra time and patience when engaging with others. Learn more about the JAM card here.
- Access Card: This card, which has symbols on it to show the support needs of the holder, helps people with disabilities communicate their requirements, such as the need for seating or assistance, when accessing various services and venues. You can apply for the access card here.
- Disabled Person’s Bus Pass: This provides free bus travel for those who qualify, and it may include additional local concessions. This is usually obtained via your local council. In Scotland this can also be applied for via the NEC website. Apply for a disabled bus pass via getyournec.
- Companion Travel Bus Pass: Available in some regions, this pass allows a companion to travel for free with a person who has a disability that prevents them from travelling alone on public transport. Again, this is usually obtained via the local council. You can also do the application via getyournec, but this doesn’t seem to work for everyone (for example, for children under 5yrs old who meet the requirements for the companion pass but normally would travel for free.) Apply for the companion disabled bus pass online here.
- Thistle Assistance Card: This is a card and app-based service that helps people with additional needs to communicate their requirements more easily when using public transport across Scotland. You can either pick up a card, or have it posted if you don’t live near one of the centres that stock them. You can apply for the pass or download the app from the Thistle Assistance website here.
- Disabled Person’s Railcard: This card provides up to a third off most rail fares for people with a disability and an accompanying adult. You can apply for the card on their website here.
- Blue Badge Scheme: While not a card, the Blue Badge allows people with severe mobility issues to park closer to their destination, making it easier to access facilities. You can apply for this from your local authority. I am not sure if the rules are the same in all local authorities, but with mine there is an automatic entitlement with certain levels of disability benefits (mobility side I believe,) but those without that element can still apply but may have to fill out a paper form and have someone else who knows the applicant fill in some parts to help evidence the application. Learn more about the Blue Badge scheme and how to apply here.
- Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass: For those living in London, the Freedom Pass provides free travel on most public transport services in the city. Learn more about the Freedom Pass here.
- First Bus Extra Help To Travel Cards: These cards are free for anyone to download, print and use when travelling on first bus buses. I have written a post on the cards with links to download them and you can find that here.
- Carers Card: This is for anyone who helps to take care of someone with a disability. A lot of people don’t qualify for carers allowance, or are waiting on a diagnosis that can take years to come. This card is so helpful for those people and it offers discounts and free entry to places which may otherwise ask for proof of carers allowance. You can apply for the Carers Card here.
- CEA cinema card: This card allows a disabled person to bring someone with them to the cinema for free. You can apply for the card online here.
- Allergy translation cards: These cards are helpful for when you travel with a disability. You normally need to pay for these, and will find you have to pay for many countries which are not included in the free packs. I made a post about all of the free translation cards and apps I have found so far and you can read that here.
- The Sunflower Lanyard and Cards: The Sunflower Lanyard and cards are becoming more and more widely known and accepted as a way to indicate you have a hidden disability. The lanyards are available to buy online, or can be picked up for free at participating airports when you travel. To get one of the Sunflower Lanyard cards you’ll have to purchase it online and you can do that from their website here. You can actually opt for a personalised card from them now and you can find those here.
- National Disability Card UK: This card seems to be a nationally accepted way to identify disabled people who are eligible for more help and support and also for discounts. I do not personally have one of these, but I may consider getting one in the future if it provides benefits that my other cards do not offer. You can apply for one here.
- The DID Card: The DID card seems to be similar to the National Disability Card. It is a nationally recognised card that allows people to explain their disability without carrying around heaps of medical or official paperwork that explains how they struggle. You can apply for the DID card online here.
- Max Card: The MAX card is for families who foster or for families of children with additional needs. It is a discount card that helps with the cost of days out in the UK. You can learn more about the MAX card and apply online here.
- European Disability Card: This card helps people with disabilities travel more freely within Europe while still being able to park where they need to, get help on public transport, get priority access to places and get the help and support they need while out and about in Europe. Learn more about the card here.
- This Can’t Wait Card: The This Can’t Wait Card is for those who experience bowel issues that mean they need quick access to the bathroom. The card is free for anyone with a bowel problem and you can apply for it here.
- Just Can’t Wait Card: The Just Can’t Wait Card also helps those with bladder issues, along with bowel issues. You can get a free digital card to present on your phone or you can pay for a physical card. You can check it out here.
These cards and passes offer practical support, making travel and access to services more manageable for people with disabilities across the UK. For more detailed information and eligibility criteria, you can visit the GOV.UK disability support page.
Do you know of any other disability cards available to help people in the UK, or beyond?