Anyone got a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass in London?

[Psm92]

I've been advised by my GP that I should apply to one due to my disability but the questions on the application are super specific, quite detailed and I'm getting anxiety just from looking at it. My disability impacts every aspect of my life and makes going out and getting around extremely difficult, not to mention means I don't generally have a lot of money, so it would be amazing to have the pass (didn't even know it was a thing until last week). Just wondered if anyone had any tips for filling out the application. It says you might be assessed by a mobility assessor :/ Thanks.

Yep. It really wasn't difficult, but I don't have anxiety so I didn't find the process off-putting. Just be honest, don't overegg your difficulties, and see what they say.

It's hard to say from what you have written.

Criteria are:

1. People who are blind or partially sighted

2. People who are profoundly or severely deaf

3. People without speech

4. People who have a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has left them with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk

5. People who do not have arms or have a long-term loss of the use of both arms

6. People who have a learning disability that is defined as 'a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning'

7. People who, if they applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, would have their application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Not having a lot of money is not a reason to be given one, and unless your disability falls into one of the categories above then it is unlikely you will be given one.

Thanks for your response. My disability would fit into the 4th category. I wasn't implying that not having much money would be a qualifying factor for the freedom pass, merely that having one would relieve a lot of stress due to the various costs associated with my disability.

I would definitely apply then, you need to submit the correct evidence for it (your GP should be able to provide this to you)

I wasn't disabled "enough" so only hot a normal freedom pass

Don't know what the questions are as I can't access public transport, but:
My disability impacts every aspect of my life and makes going out and getting around extremely difficult, not to mention means I don't generally have a lot of money
Is exactly what PIP for mobility is supposed to address. While you're forced to be anxious and look at how bad things are, consider biting the bullet and applying. If your life's stuffed and you're having to form fill and deal with people outside of your Dr's assessing whether you're actually disabled enough to be entitled to support, well it's just more of the same misery, so get it all over with together.

there Maybe a community forum for you to get help filling in the form. We have a social inclusion team in our borough who helps with these forms. Google mental health support in your area. If you have a local MIND centre you could try them.