Disabled Bus Pass

SKINNYPHIL
SKINNYPHIL Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
in Transport and travel

Hi, I have anxiety and depression plus COPD. I have to use a walking stick when out due to breathlessness. I am currently receiving enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility on PIP. The problem I have is that my award is only 4 points for mobility ( I put the wrong walking distance down on the form). I have 10 points for planning and following a journey so get enhanced mobility. I don't understand how I'm entitled to a mobility car ( but I don't drive) but not a bus pass let alone a companion one as I struggle on my own and have someone with me. I live in Hertfordshire so not sure if all councils are the same.

Any advice?

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Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 9,051 Championing
    edited February 8

    All local authorities do differ slightly. Mine for example does not offer companion bus passes at all. No exceptions.

    All have automatic and most have discretionary criteria.

    As you've found out, you don't get the correct PIP points for a particular descriptor to qualify automatically. They look specifically at mobility as in mobilising, not journey planning or other difficulties to qualify automatically with PIP.

    You can still apply under discretionary criteria

    "Disability or injury which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on the ability to walk – Eligibility code D"

    using medical evidence. You might be asked to do a medical assessment.

    https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/adult-social-services/transport-for-older-people-and-disabled-people/bus-passes-for-disabled-people.aspx#DynamicJumpMenuManager_1_Anchor_1

  • SKINNYPHIL
    SKINNYPHIL Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    I only just had a review for pip and it is indefinite. I can't now report a change of condition. I can't believe I can't get a bus pass but can get a motability car and a blue badge.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 9,051 Championing
    edited February 8

    You can still apply for a bus pass as advised with other medical evidence.

    I did my applications (outcome 1 x2 year bus pass, then upon renewal was given 3 years) with a paid for GP letter. I wasn't asked to do any further medical assessment. I now do qualify automatically.

    It's because your local authority only accepts PIP awards with 8+ points for Moving Around to qualify automatically for a Bus Pass.

    Motability is a separate organisation with no criteria beyond an Enhanced PIP award with a minimum length, and a Blue Badge has different, wider criteria under your local authority compared to a Bus Pass. They are all different things with different criteria.

  • SKINNYPHIL
    SKINNYPHIL Community Member Posts: 4 Listener

    I was a rather upset about the comment about using a taxi. I use all my mobility allowance on taxis and more due to not being able to travel alone and paying for someone to travel with me.

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 6,273 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1103891#Comment_1103891

    I have autism and hold a clean driving licence. Why should I not be allowed to drive? 🤔

  • karrine
    karrine Community Member Posts: 5 Contributor

    Maybe the solution might be your companion/carer. Do they drive? if they do then you can apply for Motability car. You lease it your higher rate Mobility pays for it but they drive it with you in it.

    A carer cannot personally lease a Motability car, but they can drive one or arrange one on behalf of a disabled person who receives a qualifying higher-rate mobility allowance. The car must be used for the benefit of the disabled person, and the carer can be a named driver (up to 3), appointee, or nominee.  Hope this help Skinnyphil

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