More financial help

There are many sources of help that can make a difference financially.

ILF Scotland Transition Fund

This provides money, for up to a year, to help young people living with disabilities to become more independent and spend time with other people.

It can be used for a wide range of things someone may not be able to do otherwise, including developing a new skill, joining a class or club, paying for lessons such as art or music, accessing a training course, or buying a piece of equipment.

Anyone can apply if they:

Are between the ages of 15 and 21
Have lived in Scotland for the last 6 months
Have an impairment or disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010
Have less than £26,250 of personal savings
Have little or no formal support from social services or through Self Directed Support

The aim is for young people to apply themselves, but parents and carers can help complete the form and be the first point of contact for phone calls or emails.

Find out more about the Transition Fund. You can phone ILF Scotland on 0300 200 2022.

Cinema card

The CEA Card is issued to disabled cinemagoers by the UK Cinema Association and allows someone to accompany them for free. They will need to provide proof they are receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), complete an online application form, and supply a passport-type photograph. There is a £6 administration fee and the card is valid for a year from the date of issue.

Apply for the CEA Card online.

Bus travel

Disabled people are entitled to free bus travel with a National Entitlement Card, and someone can travel with them for free if their card has the Companion Travel logo on it. They need to be receiving the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You apply through your local authority.

Find out more about the National Entitlement Card.

Disabled Person’s Railcard

The railcard allows a disabled passenger and an adult travelling with them to receive 1/3 off adult rail fares. They will qualify if they:

receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at the higher or lower rate for mobility, or the higher or middle rate for the care component
are registered as visually impaired
are registered as deaf
have epilepsy.

Railcards can be used on the network at any time of day.

Find out more about the Disabled Person’s Railcard.