Here are some top tips and discounts available for disabled people across the UK—a helpful guide to savings on travel, home life, leisure, groceries, and more:
Travel & Transport
- Disabled Persons Railcard: Get ⅓ off train fares across Great Britain, and the same discount applies to one accompanying adult .
- Disabled Bus Pass & Freedom Pass: Apply for local disabled bus passes. In London, the Freedom Pass offers free travel across buses, tubes, and trains .
- Concessionary Bus Travel (England & Wales): The Concessionary Bus Travel Act 2007 entitles disabled residents to free off-peak bus travel anywhere in England (and similar schemes operate in Wales) .
- Scottish National Entitlement Card (NEC): Provides free local and long-distance coach/bus travel across Scotland for eligible disabled residents .
- Tolls, Congestion & ULEZ: If you hold a Blue Badge or are in the disabled vehicle tax class, you may be exempt from London Congestion Charges, tolls, or the ULEZ—check eligibility and apply in advance .
Daily Living & Household Savings
- Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction: If your home has been adapted for accessibility, you may qualify for a reduction in your Council Tax band—contact your local council .
- VAT Relief on Equipment: Disability-related equipment (like wheelchairs, stairlifts) and adaptations may be VAT-exempt—ensure suppliers process the VAT removal ahead of purchase .
- Water Bill Caps: Households using high water consumption due to a disability and on benefits may qualify for caps or reduced charges—check via your local council or Advice Guide .
- Utilities & Telecommunication Discounts: Some providers offer social tariffs and priority services—for example, discounted broadband packages and support for disabled customers .
- TV Licence Discounts: If you’re registered as severely sight-impaired, you can apply for a 50% discount. Over-75s on Pension Credit may get a free licence .
- Motability Scheme: Exchange your mobility allowance (like PIP or DLA higher mobility component) for leasing a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair, inclusive of insurance, tax, and breakdown cover .
Leisure, Culture & Outings
- Companion Tickets: Many attractions offer free or discounted entry to carers or companions. Examples include National Trust, English Heritage, theatres, and cinemas .
- CEA Card: For cinemas, this card allows a free ticket for a companion—usually costs about £6/year .
- Local Library Concessions: Some libraries waive or reduce fees, fines, or offer free deliveries for housebound disabled users—check locally .
Grocery & Retail Savings
- Purpl Discounts Platform: Offers tailored deals—like 10% off Morrisons grocery orders over £25 when verified via Purpl’s platform .
- Retail & Utility Discounts: Some retailers, energy companies, and utilities grant special rates or priority services for disabled customers .
Helpful Tips
- Keep Proof Handy: Common proofs include a PIP/DLA award letter, Blue Badge, Disabled Railcard, or Access Card .
- Always Ask: Not all businesses advertise accessible discounts—asking politely can uncover available concessions .
- Use Benefits Calculators: Tools from Turn2Us, Entitledto, Citizens Advice help clarify what support you may qualify for .
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