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Help with health and travel costs

 
If you are over 60, sick or disabled or on a low income, you may be entitled to certain health and travel benefits.

Health benefits

Children, people aged over 60 and some people with certain medical conditions can get:

  • free prescriptions
  • eyesight tests.
If you get Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee or income-related Employment and Support Allowance then you automatically get:

  • free prescriptions
  • dental treatment
  • eyesight tests
  • vouchers for glasses
  • fares to hospital.
Some people on Tax Credits can also get this help.

Even if you do not get these benefits you may still be able to get some help if you are on a low income or have a specified medical condition.

Further information

Contact the Help with Health Costs Advice Line on 0845 850 1166 or get the HC11 leaflet from the Department of Health on 0300 123 1002 or visit the Department of Health website.

Help with travel costs

Free travel

If you are aged 60 or over or are disabled you can apply for a Freedom Pass which allows free travel on London's public transport during certain times. You can also use off-peak bus services outside of London.

Bus and tram discount scheme

Londoners on Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance can enjoy half price travel on buses and trams.

To apply, you must be aged between 18 and 60 and not be receiving any other travel concession (such as a freedom pass).

Bus and tram discount application form (Transport for London website)

For further information, please contact the Oystercard Helpdesk on 0845 330 9876.

Free parking

The Blue Badge Scheme provides free parking for people with severe walking difficulties who either travel as drivers or passengers. 

Reduced cost taxi fares

There is a taxicard scheme for disabled people.

Free travel for war pensioners

All war veterans receiving certain payments under the War Pensions Scheme or Armed Forces Compensaton Scheme can travel free on London’s public transport. Call Transport for London for an application pack on 0845 331 9872.

Further information

The Access to Work scheme helps disabled people overcome barriers to work. This can include help with transport costs.

For more information contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. Follow the link to their website, on the right of this page, for further information.

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