A summary of the Concessions available for disabled people.
Concessionary Travel Scheme
If you are blind, deaf or have a disability or injury which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk, a Mobility Pass will enable you to travel on all buses, trams and local trains in South Yorkshire. Everyone over the age of 60, who lives in South Yorkshire, qualifies for a Senior Citizens pass which allows the holder to travell free.
Contact South Yorkshire Transport Executive
Tel: 01302 815 002.
From the 1st April 2007, for the first time, severely disabled people - who travel at no cost through the Transport Executive's concessionary fares scheme - will qualify for a special kind of Mobility Pass that also allows a carer to travel with them free of charge. The usual restrictions on Mobility Pass entitlement and validity apply. Details of these and how to find out who qualifies for a Mobility Pass are included in a new Mobility Pass leaflet available from Travel South Yorkshire Information Centres, or by calling Traveline
Tel: 01709 51 51 51.
Access to Work
This is an Employment Service scheme designed to assist disabled people to overcome the practical problems encountered in taking up employment or being retained in their current job. Grants can be made towards equipment, physical assistance, transport, etc. For more details contact the Disability Employment Advisers on 01302 505 796.
Road Tax Exemption
People who are receiving the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance Mobility Component may be entitled to exemption from Road Tax. The vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person or in the name of a nominee.
For more details contact DIAL Doncaster on 01302 327 800.
Wheelchair Voucher Scheme
This scheme is available through the Doncaster NHS Primary Care Trust, Wheelchair Services. Where, at the request, or with the approval of your General Practitioner, you have been assessed for the use of a wheelchair, a voucher, valued to the cost of that wheelchair, can be obtained for use towards meeting the cost of an alternative chair of your choice.
Free Temporary Wheelchair Loan Service
Manual wheelchairs are available for short-term loan in case of temporary needs, e.g., a broken leg. Your Health Visitor/District Nurse or doctor needs to make a referral as you cannot contact them directly.
T.V. Licence
A 50% reduction is available for people who are registered blind. Anyone over the age of 75 is entitled to a free licence.
Telephone 0844 800 6790 for more information.
Ferry Concessions
Disabled people can qualify for concessionary travel on crossings operated by many Ferry Companies and by Eurotunnel. Rules governing eligibility for and applicability of these concessions vary widely from one company to another, as do the concession values offered and the booking procedures to be followed.
Toll Concessions for Disabled People at Road Bridges and Tunnels
Disabled people using toll bridges or tunnels may be entitled to concessions, provided they meet certain requirements called for by the owners or operators. In some cases, to qualify for a concession, an application has to be made in advance to the relevant office.
Free NHS Prescriptions
If you are in receipt of certain benefits or if you have a specified condition (e.g. Diabetes Mellitus), you may qualify for free prescriptions.
Blue Badge Scheme
This scheme allows certain parking concessions for disabled people who have considerable difficulty with walking or are blind. For an application form contact Neighbourhood, Communities and Children's Services on 01302 737 711 or DIAL Doncaster on 01302 327 800.
RADAR Toilet Keys
Disabled people may need to use a unisex, wheelchair-accessible toilet. The Radar Keys are available via The National Key Scheme, co-ordinated by RADAR (The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation). Doncaster Neighbourhood, Communities and Children's Services will provide a key free of charge to local people who fit their criteria. Contact them on 01302 737 777. DIAL Doncaster sell the key to disabled people who feel they need to access a toilet quickly.
BT Free Directory Enquiry Service
Disabled people who have problems handling a telephone directory, or who are blind or severely partially sighted, or have a learning disability may use the BT Directory Enquiry Service free of any charge.
Tel: 195 for more details and/or an application form.
Council Tax Reductions
A one-band reduction or a discount on Council Tax may be available if a resident has a severe disability. This is conditional on the resident using a wheelchair, having a room adapted or predominantly used by a disabled person, or has enough space in the dwelling to use a wheelchair indoors.
Tel: the Council Tax Office on 01302 735 336
Leger Bus
Door-to-door transport for mobility impaired people is provided by Leger Bus. You can use this services if you find it difficult or impossible to use other public transport.
Tel: 01302 328 687
Meals on Wheels
A number of providers will deliver meals to your door every day of the year.
Disabled Person's Railcard
The Disabled Person's Railcard allows you to buy discounted rail tickets. If another adult is travelling with you they can also travel at the same discounted fare.
Telephone DIAL Doncaster on 01302 327 800 for further details and an application pack.
Community Alarm System
Doncaster Council operates a 24 hours a day Community Alarm Service. For a small weekly fee, the Community Alarm Service can be provided in your home. The latest technology ensures your continuous protection and security.
Telephone Lisa Richardson on 01302 737 189.
Direct Payments
If you are entitled to receive a service from Neighbourhood, Communities and Children's Services, then it may be possible for you to receive the money needed, to purchase those services from elsewhere.
Free NHS Dental Treatment
If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be entitled to free dental treatment from a NHS Dentist.
Free Sight Tests and Vouchers for Glasses
If you are in receipt of certain benefits you may be entitled to a free sight test and/or vouchers towards the cost of new glasses.
Telephone DIAL Doncaster on 01302 327 800 for more details.
Fares to Hospital
You may be able to get help with fares or other travel expenses for yourself (and for someone who has to go with you if you are incapable of getting to hospital on your own) if you need certain criteria (e.g Income Support).
The Warm Front Home Team
This is a Government Initiative which will improve the warmth and comfort of your home. If you own your own home or rent from a private landlord, and you receive an income or disability related benefit, you could have essential heating measures installed in your home.
Simply call the Warm Front Home Team on 0800 316 2805 for details.
VAT Reliefs for Disabled People
Certain goods and services for disabled people may be subject to zero-rating or exemption from tax under the Value Added Tax Act of 1994. It should be noted as a basic principal that Equipment must have been designed solely for use of disabled people. DIAL Doncaster can supply a booklet on VAT Relief for people with disabilities.
For further information on any matter relating to the availability of concessions or support for disabled people, please contact DIAL Doncaster. We can provide more from our files and from our computerised information system.
DIAL Doncaster does not endorse any product or service offered in this factsheet.
DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this document was correct at the time of going to press, DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.
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