Disabled Person's Freedom Pass

Please be aware, a fake website for freedom passes has been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.

If you need to update the contact details on a disabled person's freedom pass, please send an email to this address only: info@freedompass.org no other email address is valid. Visit the change of details freedom pass page.

If you want to apply for a disabled person's freedom pass, only use the information below on this page.

What is a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass

A Disabled Person's Freedom Pass allows you to travel on local bus services across England.

In London, as well as the bus network, it also allows you to travel on: 

• London Underground
• Docklands Light Railway
• Croydon Tramlink
• National Rail trains after 9:30am (no time restrictions apply on weekends and public holidays)

Who is eligible

Use the following fact sheets to help apply for a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass. There is one fact sheet for each disability category you can be eligible for, this may be more than one. You must read these before applying as they will guide you on which categories to apply under, and what information you need to supply.

You may meet the eligible disability category if you:

• are blind or partially sighted (PDF, 127KB)
• are profoundly or severely deaf (PDF, 130KB)
• are unable to speak (PDF, 130KB)
• have mobility and walking issues (PDF, 163KB)
• have loss of function in both arms (PDF, 169KB)
• have a severe learning disability (PDF, 150KB)
• have been refused a driving licence because of a disability (PDF, 139KB)

Discretionary passes

If you're under 60 and do not meet the criteria for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, we may still be able to offer you a discretionary pass. A discretionary pass can not be used outside of London, and it will become invalid if you move outside of Croydon.

You must:

• have either a physical disability or a severe mental illness
• be supported by social services
• be able to use your pass to achieve your care plan outcomes

Apply for a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass

Apply now
 

Or you can request an application form from  travel.service@croydon.gov.uk - Please include your name, telephone number and full postal address.

Please return the completed form to us with:

• Proof of address, for example current council tax letter, current rent letter or statement, current TV licence, Utility bill within last 3 months, HMRC or DWP letter dated in last 3 months. We do not accept bank or mobile phone statements.
• Proof of identity, for example current passport, birth certificate, driving licence, letter of state pension entitlement or European ID card.
• A passport standard photograph on a plain light background (for example white or cream), head and shoulders, taken in the last 12 months and no other person in the picture. Digital pictures taken on a smart phone are acceptable. 
• Evidence of eligibility, please read the relevant fact sheet under the above “Who is eligible” section as the evidence required will depend on your disability. 
  To help process your application, please provide the evidence in the correct order and in one PDF or Word document.

Current processing times

The application processing time is 12 weeks before we start an assessment.

The time will vary depending on the level of demand coming into the service. We will update it regularly as a guide to potential wait times for a decision.

If you have made an application and have waited beyond the processing time, please email travel.service@croydon.gov.uk and provide your full name and date of birth and we can update you on your likely wait time or progress with your application. 

Re-assessment of eligibility

We reassess freedom pass holders on a rolling basis, to ensure that only those who continue to be eligible hold a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass. 

Keeping your contact details up to date

It is your responsibility to keep your address and contact details up to date. For more information about this, please see the section called: "Change of name or address details" on the change of details freedom pass page. 

If you do not keep your contact details up to date, or we are unable to confirm your continued eligibility, your pass may be stopped before the expiry date on the pass. 

Re-assessments can take place at any time; the expiry date printed on your pass does not reflect when your entitlement will end. Your entitlement to a Freedom Pass may be stopped if you do not respond to the letters we send you regarding your continued eligibility to the scheme. 

Appeals

If your application is rejected and you want to appeal the decision, see our appeals process.

Lost, stolen or faulty passes

You can request a replace online or by calling the Freedom Pass Helpline at 0300 330 1433 (Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm). 

Depending on the circumstances, you may be asked to contact Croydon Travel Service team before a further pass is issued.