Disabled Persons Railcard Eligibility Expanded: Who Can Now Apply?

Good news for disabled rail travellers: the Disabled Persons Railcard is now open to far more people than before. Changes introduced in two phases during 2026 mean that many people with visible and non-visible disabilities who weren't previously eligible can apply.

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In this guide, we explain what has changed, who now qualifies and what evidence you will need.

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What is the Disabled Persons Railcard?

The disabled railcard gives you and one adult companion a third off most rail fares across England, Scotland and Wales. It costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years, and there are no time-of-day restrictions or minimum fares.

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The Rail Delivery Group estimates that card holders save an average of £126 a year, and it has said there are no plans to raise the price following the changes.

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What has changed with disabled persons railcard eligibility?

As of 30th September 2026, eligible passengers now include people with long-term or degenerative medical conditions that may be harder to evidence using the original set of accepted documents. The railcard now also covers people whose neurodivergence causes significant barriers to train travel, or anyone else with a long-term medical condition that is a significant barrier to rail travel.

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The previous eligibility criteria all still apply.

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Who can now apply for a disability railcard?

You now qualify if you:

• Hold a Blue Badge
• Hold a Disabled Persons Bus Pass in England, Scotland or Wales, or a London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass
• Are currently unable to drive on medical grounds
• Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefits
• Receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit at 20% or higher
• Are without speech
• Have a visual impairment
• Have a hearing impairment
• Have a neurodivergent condition that means you experience barriers to train travel
• Have any other long-term health condition, with the same proviso

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💡 Check the full list of eligibility criteria.

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What evidence do I need?

For some of the newer routes, a copy of the relevant document is usually enough, for example both sides of your Blue Badge or a DVLA or health professional letter dated within the last two years.

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For the phase two route, you will need a report or letter from a health professional explaining your access needs, or an impact declaration form signed by a qualified professional such as a doctor, nurse, occupational therapist or social worker. A diagnosis alone may not be enough, so focus on how your condition affects rail travel. You can check the full eligibility for disabled persons railcard criteria on the official Railcard website.

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💡 Find out how to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard step by step

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About the National Disability & Carers Card Scheme‍

The National Disability & Carers Card scheme was set up in 2019 by carers to make everyday life and access easier for people with disabilities and those who care for them. The scheme supports 300,000 card holders and provides easy-to-carry visual identification that helps people avoid repeatedly explaining their disability or caring role. The National Disability Card is accepted as proof of disability at 600+ venues across the UK and abroad. If you're looking for ways to communicate your access needs, consider applying for your card today.