Concessions, discounts and money saving tips

Older residents and those with a disability can take advantage of free travel on local buses throughout Hampshire and the rest of England. In some cases travel is within certain specified times. 

You will need to meet criteria on age or disability. You may also be entitled to a “companion pass” if your disabilities mean that you are unable to travel unaccompanied.

Read more about bus passes and travel vouchers if you live in the Hampshire County Council area or telephone 0300 555 1376 for information. You may also be able to apply for a disabled bus pass (This page also has easy read information and application form for people with learning disabilities).

Concessionary travel in Southampton.

Concessionary travel in Portsmouth.

If you are aged 60 or over, you are eligible for a Senior Railcard which entitles you to a third off the price of most first class and standard rail fares. The card costs £30 and is valid for one year. You can buy a Senior Railcard online, at a staffed station ticket office or by calling 0345 3000 250. You will need a valid passport or UK driving licence in order to prove you are eligible.

A Disabled Person's Railcard costs £20 for one year. It entitles you to a third off the price of most first class and standard rail fares and if you are accompanied by another adult, they can also travel at the same discounted fare. Application forms are available online and from rail stations. Alternatively, telephone the Disabled Person’s Railcard Helpline on 0345 605 0525 or Textphone 0345 601 0132.

National Express offer a Senior coachcard for over 60s and a Disabled coachcard for those who are registered disabled at a cost of £12.50 plus £2.50 p&p per year. The concessionary passes entitle the traveller to 1/3 off your travel on most National Express coach services.

Please give at least 24 hours notice if you travel with a guide dog.

Check our Benefits page to make sure that you, or the person you are caring for, are getting all the benefits you are entitled to, including possible council tax discounts.

See also our Financial support for carers information.

• Some districts and boroughs offer concessions to older and disabled people as well as to carers and people in receipt of benefits using leisure centre facilities. Contact your preferred leisure centre to enquire about activities suitable for your age group. Use our Community directory and search under 'Community support/activities' and then 'Sport/exercise' to find leisure centres near you.
• Many other social and leisure outlets in Hampshire offer discounts to older or disabled people. Always ask if any concessions are offered.
• If you are blind or severely sight impaired you are entitled to a 50% discount on your TV licence. If you are over 75 you are currently entitled to a free TV licence.
• The UK Cinema Association offers the CEA card to disabled people. This entitles any carer accompanying them to a free ticket at participating cinemas. The card is available to people receiving disability or attendance allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Sight Impaired Registration (formerly registered blind) or holding a disabled person’s railcard. A small processing fee is chargeable per card.
• Many entertainment and leisure venues offer free entry to carers who are accompanying a disabled person. Always check in advance.
• There are discounts and exemptions available to disabled drivers and schemes to assist older and disabled drivers with driving and parking.

• Hampshire Libraries offer concession memberships to help people with access requirements, care-leavers or sanctuary seekers, access the library services by removing reservation charges and fees for overdue items.

Sunflower lanyard - assistance for people with hidden disabilities

A sunflower lanyard was introduced at major UK airports in 2018 in order to allow passengers with hidden disabilities to indicate discreetly to staff that they may need additional support or help. The use of the lanyard has now spread and is now available from a number of transport providers. It is also available in supermarkets such as Sainsbury's and Tesco.

• You may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local borough or district council to pay for alterations. Grants are means-tested and applicants must have a permanent and substantial disability in order to be considered. An Occupational Therapy assessment is required to support the request for a grant.
• If you are disabled, or have a long-term illness, you shouldn’t have to pay VAT on disability-related equipment for your personal use. Equipment suppliers will advise you how to claim VAT relief.

See further information and advice in our Equipment and Adaptations section.

There is no national scheme for disability registration.

Organisations or outlets offering discounts and concessions to disabled people will usually accept a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions detailing a disability-related benefit, your Blue Badge* or your Disabled Bus Pass as proof of disability.

If you would like something simpler, which you can keep on you, you might consider applying for an Access Card. This costs £15 and is valid for 3 years. You will need to supply proof of your disability.

*Blue Badges are now available to people with hidden disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Condition and Mental health conditions (eligibility criteria apply).

• Carers Card UKoffers a national carer ID card. The card identifies you as a carer, includes emergency contact details and gives you access to discounts and online offers. It costs £9.99 and is valid for two years.
  
• The UK Cinema Association offers the CEA card to disabled people. This entitles any carer accompanying them to a free ticket and is accepted in 90% of cinemas in the UK. The card is available to people receiving disability or attendance allowance, registered blind or holding a disabled person’s railcard. A small processing fee is chargeable per card.

• 13 money saving tips for disabled people from MoneySavingExpert.
• Five steps to simpler money management from MoneyHelper.