Universal Credit travel discount card: what it is, how to get one and qualifying criteria

This is everything you need to know.

What is the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card?

The Government created a discount card for those claiming certain benefits in an attempt to get people to and from job interviews for less.

This discount means that some benefit recipients can get a discount on selected rail tickets and bus journeys in England, Wales and Scotland.

The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card is provided free of charge to:

Those who are unemployed and have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit for three to nine months, if they are 18 to 24 years old Those over the age of 25 who are unemployed and have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit for three to 12 months

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) advises people to contact their work coach in order to find out if they qualify.

How much does this card discount on travel?

The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card gives a 50 percent discount on the majority of train journeys, alongside fares with certain bus operators.

Cardholders can also qualify for discounts on the London Underground, DLR, London buses, and on Tramlink.

Your local JobCentre can also provide details of additional operators, which may include local bus services which operate in your local area.

Where can I get the travel card from?

The cards are issued by Jobcentre Plus on behalf of transport operators. You cannot get them from any station or travel agency.

Your work coach will guide you through the process.

How long is the card valid for?

The card is valid for up to three months at any one time.

Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, said, “We want to ensure there are absolutely no barriers for those seeking employment.

“Public transport can be vital for people who are looking for work, and the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card cuts the costs.

“More than half a million journeys were made using the card last year – just another way we are helping people to save money and find work. And obviously there’s the savings for people visiting families over the holidays as an additional bonus.”