How to register as disabled and the benefits of registering

If you are over 18, registering your disability with the council and other organisations has many benefits.  This can include financial support and discounts on a range of services. 

How you register as disabled depends on why you want to register, or what you want to apply for.  People may register with South Gloucestershire Council as a result of sight, hearing and physical disability.  For further information please contact the First Contact team:

If you have a child aged 0-18 with a disability you may find it helpful to join ‘The Network’: South Gloucestershire’s children's disability register.  You can find more information in the following article. 

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Registering as sight or severely sight impaired

If you are having problems with your sight, visit your GP or optician. They can refer you to a consultant ophthalmologist (eye specialist) who can assess whether you qualify to register as sight-impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight-impaired (blind).

If you qualify, the ophthalmologist will complete a certificate of vision impairment. They will send it to your local social services department, who will contact you to find out what help and advice you need.

You do not need to be registered to receive services from South Gloucestershire Council

If you are registered with your local authority as blind or sight impaired - you may be entitled to travel concessions, such as:

Disabled Person’s Railcard

This allows you and an adult companion to get a third off most standard and first class fares throughout Britain.  For more information see the Railcard website.

Platinum Travelcard

This is for residents of South Gloucestershire who are severely sight impaired or sight impaired.   

Platinum Travelcard holders will be able to travel free of charge on local buses throughout England at all times, however any journeys commencing before 9am, must start within South Gloucestershire.  For further information see our article on the Platinum Travelcard and how to apply.

If you are registered with your local authority as blind you may be entitled to:

Further information

You can find out more from the following:

Registering as deaf

If you are having hearing problems you should also visit your GP. They can refer you to a hearing specialist.

You can contact South Gloucestershire Council if you would like to be registered disabled because of your hearing impairment. Contact the First Contact team directly by:

Phone: 01454 868007

Text Phone: 01454 868010

Email: CSODesk@southglos.gov.uk

You can also contact the First Contact team for help and advice about the range of services available to you if you have a hearing impairment. You do not have to register to do this. However, registering with your local authority as someone with hearing difficulties may entitle you to travel concessions such as:

Disabled Person’s Railcard

This allows you and an adult companion to get a third off most standard and first class fares throughout Britain.  For more information see the Railcard website.

Diamond Travelcard

This provides free off peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.  For further details see our article on the Diamond Travelcard or contact the Concessionary travel team:

Phone: 01454 868004

Email: contravel@southglos.gov.uk

Further information 

You can find out more from the following:

Information for all disabled people

As a disabled person you may be entitled to a range of discounts such as:

Disabled Person’s Railcard

This allows you and an adult companion to get a third off most standard and first class fares throughout Britain.  For more information see the Railcard website.

Diamond Travelcard

If you are under pensionable age and disabled you can apply for a Diamond Travelcard providing free off peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.  For further details see our article on the Diamond Travelcard or contact the Concessionary travel team:

Phone: 01454 868004

Email: contravel@southglos.gov.uk

Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge scheme provides additional parking rights for people with severe mobility problems caused by visible and non-visible disabilities.

Blue Badge holders are able to park close to where they need to go.

The scheme is managed by local authorities who deal with applications and issue Blue Badges. You can find more information on how to apply for a Blue Badge parking permit on the council’s website.

Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance

The Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working-age adults with a disability has now been replaced by a new benefit: the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). As with DLA, PIP is designed to help you meet some of the extra costs you may have due to a long-term health condition or disability.

The amount you get depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.  You will be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get. Your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.

You can only make a new claim for DLA if you are claiming for a child under 16. This is known as DLA for children.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a benefit that helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

It is paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.

See the GOV.UK website for more information about how to claim for PIP and Attendance Allowance and to see if you are eligible. The website also includes information on what to do if you become disabled.

 

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