Can I get free travel on Universal Credit? – The cost of travel can be a major expense for people on Universal Credit. However, there are a number of ways to get help with the cost of travel, including:
- Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card
The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card offers a 50% discount on selected rail tickets. To be eligible for the card, you must be claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit and have been claiming for at least three months. You must also be aged between 18 and 24 years old, or aged 25 or over and unemployed for at least 13 weeks.
- Railcard
There are a number of different railcards that can offer discounts on train fares. Some railcards are available to everyone, while others are only available to certain groups of people, such as students, over-60s, and disabled people.
- Bus pass
If you are aged 60 or over, you may be eligible for a free bus pass. You can apply for a bus pass through your local council.
- Disabled person’s travel pass
If you are disabled, you may be eligible for a disabled person’s travel pass. You can apply for a disabled person’s travel pass through your local council.
- Free travel for job interviews
If you are claiming Universal Credit and you have a job interview, you may be able to get free travel to the interview. You can apply for free travel for job interviews through your local Jobcentre Plus.
- Help with travel costs
If you are struggling to afford the cost of travel, you may be able to get help from your local council. Your local council may be able to provide you with a travel grant or a loan to help you cover the cost of travel.
For more information on how to get help with the cost of travel, you can contact your local Jobcentre Plus or your local council.
Other ways to save money on travel
In addition to the schemes mentioned above, there are a number of other ways to save money on travel, such as:
- Plan your journey in advance
If you plan your journey in advance, you can often find cheaper fares. You can use websites such as Trainline or National Express to compare fares and book tickets in advance.
- Travel off-peak
Traveling off-peak can often be cheaper than traveling during peak times. For example, train fares are often cheaper on weekdays than on weekends.
- Look for discounts
Many transport operators offer discounts for students, over-60s, and disabled people. You can often find these discounts on the transport operator’s website.
- Combine journeys
If you are traveling to multiple destinations, you may be able to save money by combining your journeys. For example, if you are traveling to London and Manchester, you may be able to get a cheaper fare if you buy a combined ticket for both journeys.
- Consider alternative modes of transport
If you are traveling short distances, you may be able to save money by walking, cycling, or using public transport. For example, if you are traveling to work, you may be able to save money by cycling or taking the bus instead of driving.
By following these tips, you can save money on travel and make the most of your Universal Credit payments.
FAQ
Can I get free travel on Universal Credit?
No, you cannot get free travel on Universal Credit. However, you may be eligible for a discount on your travel costs.
How do I get a discount on my travel costs if I’m on Universal Credit?
You can apply for a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card. This card gives you a 50% discount on selected rail tickets.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card?
To be eligible for the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card, you must be claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit, and you must be aged between 18 and 60.
How do I apply for the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card?
You can apply for the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card online or at your local Jobcentre Plus.