Recent changes have meant that the scheme previously run by Strathclyde PTE is now part of a National scheme.

A major change has led to the scrapping of any discretiony element which had allowed many disabled people to qualify if they had supporting medical evidence. The concessionary travel card will now only be awarded to those is a qualifying benefit......DLA (HRM,HRC/MRC) and AA.

When current card runs out people are now sent a lettter stating the new rule and telling them they no longer qualify.

This will affect a great many people who have had concessionary travel for several years and will now not qualify.

People with mental health problems who have the lower rates of DLA are particularly affected. I have had several such cases and I have heard that CABs are having many such cases reported. This change is causing much distress and hardship to vulnerable people.

Can any of the Glasgow based posters on here inform me if the change has been challenged or give any other information on the change????

May I ask whether the scheme covers as well as DLA HRM/MRC/HRC Claimants, if War Pensioners who received the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (in lieu if DLA HRM) or War pensioners Constant Care Allowance (in lieu of DLA M/HRC) remain entitled?.

Many thanks

Pete

Sorry for delay Pete.
From Website these are main qualifying rules.

To qualify for an Entitlement Card you must be:

60 years old or over, or
You are of fare paying age and qualify under one of the following:
You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the disability living allowance;
You receive the higher or middle rate of the care component of the disability living allowance;
You receive attendance allowance;
You receive a mobility supplement of the Naval, Military and Air Forces (Disablement and Death) Service Pension;
You have a disabled person's parking badge (commonly known as Blue Badge)

Also listed on the web....BUT NOT ON THE LETTER SENT OUT....

your ability to travel is impaired by a mental illness which has lasted for more than a year and you need to travel to keep health or social care appointments or take part in activities as part of a treatment, care or rehabilitation programme;

This will allow many folk with mental health problems and in receipt of the lower rates of the DLA components to continue entitlement.

Neil

Is that part of a national scheme applicable to Scotland or one that is applicable to Great Britain?

Brought in by Scottish Executive. Relates to Scotland only.