Discounts and grants

Deaf young people may be entitled to free or discounted travel, as well as grants for family holidays or trips away from home.

Discounted travel schemes

Deaf people are eligible for free or discounted travel through a number of schemes:

• The Disabled Person’s Railcard saves you and a travelling companion 1/3 on UK rail travel. It can only be used for adult fares (for those aged 15 and over). However, it can be used by an adult travelling with a deaf or disabled child. It costs £20 for a year or £54 for three years.
• Depending on where you live, you may be entitled to a pass for free or discounted bus travel. In Scotland, everyone aged 5 to 22 is eligible for free bus travel. Take a look at the information for people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• If you live in London, you may be able to apply for a Freedom Pass, which gives you access to free public transport across the city. To be eligible, you must be a London resident and have one of the listed conditions or disabilities, including severe or profound deafness.
• National Express offer a Disabled Coachcard, which saves you 1/3 on standard and flexible fares. It is £15 for one year. Megabus offers free travel within Scotland for Scottish National Entitlement Card holders.

Transport to school or college

Some deaf young people are eligible for free transport to and from their school or college. This may be provided by your local authority.

A deaf young person may be eligible, depending on:

• if their journey is longer than the statutory walking distance (2 miles for children under 8 or 3 miles for children aged between 8 and 16)
• if their condition or disability makes it unreasonable for them to be expected to walk to school (even if they live within the statutory walking distance)
• their social and family circumstances
• how suitable the walking route is for a child of their age and ability

If your preferred school is further away than the set walking distance, but your council considers that there is a suitable school closer to your home, it doesn’t have to provide free transport.

Your local authority must publish a Local Offer, which includes information about travel to and from school and college. Contact your local council or look on their Local Offer page for more information about free school transport in your area.

Grants for holidays and days out

Some organisations offer financial grants for families with a deaf or disabled child to go on holiday or enjoy a special day trip. 

Family Fund provide grants for trips in the UK and abroad, as well as days out at museums, farms and other attractions. Grants may pay for a trip in full or in part. 

To apply for a Family Fund grant, a child must have high support needs in at least three of the following areas:

• Communication
• Education and learning
• Access to social activities
• Physical adaptions or specialist equipment
• Medical or therapeutic treatment
• High levels of supervision and vigilance

To apply or find out more, visit the Family Fund website.