Have you got your free bus travel-pass yet, either as a person of age 60+ or as a disabled person? My local Council appears to have interpreted the qualifying factor as “60+” and/or receiving the “Higher Component of DLA” to qualify for a companion to travel free with a disabled person. I have not been able to establish what those who are disabled, under 60, but not receiving the Higher DLA component will be entitled too, but I am told I only qualify as 60+ because I only receive lower DLA Care component as a Deaf person, and have received a Blue-edged pass. My wife has not received her pass yet, with only one more post before the passes starts on 1st April. She receives middle DLA care and lower mobility DLA components, but not for deafness, and has a Blue Badge for parking and I have been told she also will only receive a Blue-edged 60+ pass.
Has anyone else had any problems with local interpretations of their entitlement as a deaf person, particularly if they have now been told that they are not entitled to a pass until they are 60+ having previously received a half–fare or free pass for several years?

You do NOT need to be over 60+ to get a free national bus pass as far as I can tell because I've got mine as a disabled person being deaf and is well UNDER 60 years old. Deaf people wanting to apply for a bus pass as a disabled person needs their application verified by the Social Services department to get it.

That was the point I was making, that issueing staff have turned Deaf people away "Because they do not have a walking problem" This only applies to those applying for a "Free pass for a carer to accompany the disabled pass holder" but staff have been using this rule for Deaf people under 60yrs. who are just applying for their own pass. Yes! Deaf and Hard of Hearing people do qualify by getting their application stamped by Social Services but the Ministry of Transport guidelines have suggested that issueing offices should establish that applicant doing this has a 70% to 95% hearing loss (Severe loss) or above 95% loss (Profound loss) to qualify
Regards
Roger Keeling

Hi guys!

I have a pass from my local council. They accept Middle Rate Care as the criterion for granting my pass. But different councils have different ideas about what constitutes deafness.

As far as I know the Government have stated that "People with a severe or profound hearing loss in both ears" should qualify.

If you look on your home council website there should be information about who is eligible. Failing that go to http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/concessionary/concessionmarketingcoms/concesspressrelease/ concessbackdetails

Cheers

Hi! There
I started this topic to help avoid Deaf and Hard of Hearing being turned away by local Officials who are not aware of the qualifying rules for disabled people under 60 years of age. It may be necessary to provide proof that their hearing loss is at least a 70dB loss. I understand this is usually via Social Services registration and letter of confirmation from an Audiologist
Roger