Private Diagnosis and Bus Pass
Hello, i'm currently trying to apply for a bus pass because of ASD and bad anxiety. I have a form i need to fill in called 'Disability Eligibility Assessment Form' and it asks for doctor diagnosed conditions. Sadly the waiting lists are too long so i went private and the doctor has only anxiety, depression and migraines on the records. What should i do about the ASD diagnosis.. i can send them copies of the documents.. but where it says to include contact info there's only space for one.. i.e GP. When in reality i need them to contact the GP and also the private practice together for both elements of what i'm applying. Not really sure what i should do? Do i put it down and state it was done private? And as for the contact details there's no space for everything and I don't know how to do this form correctly. Any help much appreciated.. i really hate that the waiting lists are so long that i am unable to get the diagnosis on my record ☹️
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I'd suggest looking for a local welfare rights group that can assist:
As we can't see the form or know the eligibility criteria your local authority have for disabled bus passes (they can vary from area to area).
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Each area varies, most will indeed ask for PIP but have other qualifying criteria alongside that.
I don't currently have a PIP award but have had disabled bus passes for the past 6 years, because my area will accept "medical evidence" under "long term substantial difficulties walking"
As another example my area has criteria A-G.
A-C don't require PIP
D has 5 options, 2 of which are mobility DLA/PIP (I qualify under this catagory).
E doesn't require PIP
F has 4 options, 1 of which is PIP (a daily living descriptor)
G doesn't require PIP.
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PIP moving around mobility part is for my area. For those that scored points in following and planning a journey are not automatically entitled to a bus pass. Autism doesn't automatically qualify someone in my area. A learning disability does and for this you need a letter confirming a diagnosis.
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Yes same in my area you can have one automatically if you have a learning disability but also you can have one for autism but you send a doctor letter or from DVLA to prove that you wouldn’t be allowed to drive a car because of how your autism affects you.
Then to get the extra part so you can bring a carer with you they will accept the PIP following and planning a journey part, but you still need to send the learning disability diagnosis or other evidence to get the bus pass as well.0 -
This is another thing I wish was kind of standardised. It feels a little silly that everywhere has it's own requirements, some far stricter than others. Or is it just me that finds that silly/annoying?
@ellie_rsg About your private diagnosis. Were you on a waitlist for an NHS clinic? Because I went private for my ADHD assessment (it was a 2 year waitlist). When I get it, I informed the clinic I was on the waitlist for and sent them the assessment report to verify they were happy with it and they were and cleared it. I've found having evidence than an NHS clinic has cleared a private diagnosis helpful in the past, so wondering if that might help in your case possibly?
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I was diagnosed also privately, as I had no confidence or patience to wait for the NHS and their Community team. When I got my diagnosis, I gave it to my GP and he marked Autistic Disorder on my medical record. You should do the same. My diagnosis was done from a service that was recognised by the NHS as they also approved under the "Right to Choose", but as long as your diagnosis is done from a UK Psychiatrist, they would not refuse to put the mark on your health record. So take the diagnosis and give it to your GP, and when/if they or anyone else contact them, they will confirm your ASD.
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Hi Ellie_rsg,
Waiting lists are a nightmare, they are frustrating
I did this a while back. It was a hassle, but such relief when I got it sorted.
You need a GP to fill in the bus pass application form box to state specifically why you can’t drive and what disability element that makes you a risk. Autism by itself is not considered a disability, however your associated anxiety and migraine element can. You don’t need to share your full diagnosis and health report. Ask for an in person appointment with your GP. Once that has been filled in your GP needs to place a special stamp on it.
A way you could speed up the form processing is by posting it or emailing it to your local Surgey and writing a letter to explain what you need to your GP. Not all receptionists are trained to deal with that request so they tend to signpost to reports as default. Don’t do it through reports. It’s a waste of money and not the correct thing that is needed.
Once that is done just post it your local council.
Each council has its own criteria for disability so it’s worth checking and consulting with your GP so the form is accepted.
I hope that helps,Best,
ThePurpleKing0 -
My local authority doesn't allow companion/carer/escort to also have a bus pass.
They'll only issue them for the qualifying named disabled person.
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The bus pass is for the disabled person but they add a C+ symbol on to the normal disabled bus pass if you need a carer to travel with you. You just use the one bus pass for yourself and for whoever is caring for you.
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This doesn't work for all councils/area. In my area only I can use my bus pass and it has a C+ on the card, anyone accompanying me has to pay the full fare where I am. Some areas do allow this though. I wish like meantioned before that the same rules apply everywhere not depending on councils rules.
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Not from my local authority
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I see what you all mean about how different it is in each area!
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