Disabled person's bus pass

West Northamptonshire libraries include:

• Brackley
• Brixworth
• Daventry
• Deanshanger
• Duston
• East Hunsbury
• Northampton Central
• Towcester
• Weston Favell

If you are visiting one of these libraries, please bring your proof of eligibility documents with you. Your photograph will be taken at the library as part of the application process.

Community libraries include:

• Abington
• Kingsthorpe
• Long Buckby
• Middleton Cheney
• Moulton
• Roade
• St James
• Woodford Halse
• Wootton

If you are visiting one of these libraries, be aware the staff can only assist customers with applications and help upload documents within the customer public portal.

Once your application is approved, your pass will typically arrive within 10 working days.

The evidence below explains what you need to provide to show that you are eligible for a disabled person’s bus pass. It includes the same information that appears in the proof of eligibility criteria.

Find further guidance on assessing eligibility for concessionary bus travel.

Please be aware that if you request a signed letter from your GP to confirm a diagnosis, this may be considered a private service and could incur a fee.

To qualify for a disabled person’s bus pass, you must meet one of the categories below and provide the evidence listed.

Category A: is blind or partially sited

You may qualify if you are registered as blind or partially sighted.

You can provide one of the following:

• a yellow registration card
• a registration card or letter from Social Services
• medical evidence signed by a medical professional
• a Certificate of Vision Impairment signed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist

Category B: is profoundly or severely deaf

You may qualify if your hearing loss is more than 70 decibels Hearing Level.

You can provide one of the following:

• an Audiological Evaluation or report from an aural specialist
• a signed letter or report from a medical professional
• a letter from Social Services

Category C: is without speech

You may qualify if you cannot speak.

You can provide one of the following:

• a registration card
• medical evidence signed by a medical professional
• a letter from Social Services

Category D: is severe and long-term difficulty walking

You may qualify if your disability or injury has a substantial and long-term effect on your ability to walk.

You can provide one of the following:

• a Blue Badge (issued by West Northamptonshire Council)
• a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions showing you receive the Higher Rate Mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• evidence that you scored 8 points or more for the “Moving around” activity of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• medical evidence signed by a medical professional
• a letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency confirming “permanent or substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking”
• evidence that you receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

Category E: is no arms or long-term loss of use of both arms

You may qualify if you do not have arms or cannot use both arms over the long term.

You can provide one of the following:

• medical evidence signed by a medical professional
• a letter from Social Services

Category F: has a learning disability

You may qualify if you have a learning disability that affects both your intellectual ability and your social functioning.

This includes conditions such as:

• Down’s syndrome
• some autistic spectrum disorders
• other learning disabilities that cause:
  • difficulty understanding new or complex information
  • difficulty learning new skills
  • challenges coping independently

Living independently does not mean you must live alone, you may still need support with daily tasks even if you live independently.

You will not qualify if your condition is due to:

• dyslexia
• ADHD or ADD
• dyspraxia
• mental health conditions

You may qualify if your condition is severe enough that you would be refused a driving licence. See Category G for details.

You can provide one of the following:

• a letter from a learning disability co‑ordinator at your school or college
• for a child, a Statement of Special Educational Needs
• a letter from the head of a special school or college
• a letter from Social Services or another support organisation (for example, Mencap)
• a letter from the manager of your residential home or supported accommodation
• medical evidence signed by a medical professional (you may be charged for this)

Any letter must clearly describe your disability so we can confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria.

Category G: would be refused a driving licence

You may qualify if you would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds under Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Section 92).

This does not include refusal due to the ongoing misuse of drugs or alcohol.

A licence may be refused if you have a condition that makes driving unsafe, including:

• epilepsy (unless well controlled or only occurring at night)
• severe mental disorders, including dementia, that affect judgement or awareness
• conditions causing sudden fainting or giddiness
• being unable to read a number plate at 20.5 metres, even with glasses or contact lenses
• other physical or neurological disabilities that affect safe driving

You can provide one of the following:

• a letter from the DVLA
• medical evidence signed by a medical professional

Any letter must clearly describe your disability so we can assess your eligibility.