Disabilities that qualify someone for a bus pass are those which are considered permanent, or which are likely to last at least 12 months.
Such disabilities should have a substantial effect on the applicant’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
To successfully apply online for a bus pass based on disability you will need to be able to provide evidence of your disability.
There are seven disability categories. These are listed below along with examples of the evidence you can provide.
Blind or partially sighted
A letter from the Sensory Team at Devon County Council confirming registration as blind or partially sighted.
A Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) signed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist.
Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides).
Profoundly or severely deaf
An audiological report or a report from an aural specialist confirming a hearing loss greater than 70 dBHL in both ears measured across the normal hearing range.
Without speech
Personal Independence Payment with a score of eight points or more for the ‘Communicating verbally’ activity.
Disability which severely restricts mobility
Disability Living Allowance with higher rate mobility component
Personal Independence Payment with a score of eight points or more for the ‘Moving around’ activity.
Personal Independence Payment with a score of ten points or more for the ‘Planning and following a journey’ activity.
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
War Pension with mobility supplement award.
Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides).
Applicants who are unable to provide one of the eligibility proofs listed above may be offered an independent medical assessment upon submission of medical evidence which indicates that the applicant is likely to be eligible due to their reduced mobility.
Without arms or has a long-term loss of the use of both arms
Disability Living Allowance with higher rate mobility component.
Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides).
Letter on official paper from a medical professional confirming the applicant has long-term loss of the use of both arms.
Learning disability
If under 18 years old – a letter from Integrated Children’s Services (ICS) confirming ICS learning indicator is severe or profound.
If over 18 years old – a letter from Adult Social Care confirming applicant is registered as an adult with an evidenced learning disability and is open to learning disability services from DCC – this does not include short-term enabling assistance.
Unfit to hold a driving licence for medical reasons
Letter from DVLA giving notice of refusal or withdrawal of licence.
Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides).
Letter on official paper from a medical professional confirming a specified medical condition which renders the applicant ineligible for a driving licence, such as:
- epilepsy (dependent on circumstances)
- restricted visual development (inability to read a registration plate in good light at 20.5 metres with lenses if worn)
- severe mental disorder
- another long term medical condition expected to last for at least 12 months that would cause a licence to be withdrawn or refused
War veterans in receipt of a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or compensation for an injury in tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme are likely to qualify for a bus pass in one of the above categories.
Any Blue Badge must be valid for more than 12 months and be issued by Devon County Council.
Any Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment award documents must be no older than 12 months and show both the allowance awarded and the period of the award.
Please note that the Department for Transport strongly advises against using your GP to verify that you meet the criteria for a concessionary travel pass as this approach may compromise the doctor/patient relationship.
In the case of assessment of fitness to hold a driving licence due to, for example, epilepsy or mental health problems, a neurologist or mental health professional are often best placed to assess eligibility due to their professional knowledge of the DVLA’s fitness to drive standards.
Any proof or information provided in support of an application may be checked with available Devon care systems, educational information, or other public bodies to assist in the verification of eligibility.
We will also check with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for the prevention and detection of fraud.
Continue with your bus pass application
The Devon Access Wallet
The Devon Access Wallet scheme is an initiative to help make journeys by bus or train easier for anyone with communication difficulties, people with disabilities, deaf people, and those whose first language is not English.
