Freedom pass for disabled people

What is a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass?

This freedom pass allows those who are eligible free travel across London and free bus journey’s nationally.

Who can apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass?

Automatic eligibility

You are automatically eligible for a disabled person's freedom pass if you meet one of the criteria below:

Registered blind or partially sighted - confirmed by CVI form or LBTH registration letter
Profoundly or severely deaf - confirmed by audiogram evidence
Without speech - confirmed by GP evidence
Have a disability or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk
Without arms or have long term loss of the use of both arms - confirmed by GP evidence
Have a learning disability that is a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning (statement of SEN or known to LBTH Learning Disabilities Team)
If you applied for a driver’s licence to drive a motor vehicle (under part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988), whereby your application was refused under section 92 of the Act (physical fitness, epilepsy or mental health), otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Assessed Eligibility

If you do not meet the automatic eligibility criteria for a disabled Persons freedom pass, you may qualify with further assessment. You will be placed on the waiting list for an assessment to be carried out by our independent assessor (SHA Disability consultancy Limited), who will arrange an appointment for you with an independent assessor.

Due to the large number of applications being submitted, the current waiting time for assessments is within 12 weeks.

Once the assessment has been completed the mobility support team will review the therapists report and provide a decision on the application submitted. To be eligible for a disabled persons freedom pass you must score 24 points or more in total on the assessment.

Application process

The freedom pass renewal application have now started. You will be required to submit a renewal application by post or online by the 05 December 2022.

You can apply using the online service, once an application has been submitted, the mobility support team will process the application.

Due to the increasing number of applications the process can take up to 14 working days provided the correct information and documents have been provided. If you do not meet the automatic eligibility criteria the processing time may take longer.

Once the application has been processed you will receive an update on the decision.

How to apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass

To apply for a disabled persons freedom pass you must submit an application form.

If you are unable to complete a form online, you can request a paper application by visiting the mobility contact form.

Please note postal applications may take longer than 14 days to process.

Apply for a disabled persons freedom pass

Disabled Persons Freedom Pass holders’ responsibility

It is the pass holder’s responsibility to ensure it is used correctly and should not be misused as this may result in confiscation of the pass

Please read the information on how to use the disabled persons freedom pass.

Appeals Process

You have the right to appeal if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your application. You will need to submit your appeal within 8 weeks from the date of the outcome.

Your appeal will be investigated by the Mobility Support Team leader who will make the decision on your appeal. If the decision requires a further assessment an appointment will be arranged by out independent expert assessor. Once the assessment is complete a final decision on your application will be provided by the Head of Parking and Mobility.

If your appeal is unsuccessful, you will not be able to reapply for 6 months (from the date of the final appeal outcome), unless there is a significant change in your mobility.

Submit an Appeal

How to renew your Disabled Persons Freedom Pass

A renewal letter will be sent out to pass holders who do not have a lifelong condition, whereby they must complete and submit an application of renewal either online or via post. All applications submitted along with required evidence by post should be sent to the Mobility Support Team where the address is outlined on the form.

Those with a lifelong condition and whose residency has been confirmed as being on the Electoral Register will automatically receive their new passes at point of expiry.

Renew a disabled persons freedom pass

Lost, stolen or damaged pass

If your Freedom Pass is lost or damaged, please contact Journeycall Ltd on 0300 330 1433. Freedom Pass holders who lose or damage their cards will be charged for replacements. Pass holders can pay by debit or with credit card by phone.

Please note: If you have had two passes replaced and have lost a third in a 12 month rolling period, your replacement request will be referred to Tower Hamlets Mobility Support Team; No more than three passes can be issued in any rolling twelve month period.