Question
I care full-time for a relative with a disability and I
have applied for Carer’s Allowance. Although I am not yet aged 66 would I be
entitled to a free travel pass, if I qualify for this allowance?
Answer
Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in the State
is entitled to the Free Travel Scheme. If you
are under age 66 and registered for a Public Services Card, you will be awarded
free travel with your Carer’s Allowance. You will be issued with a new Public Services Card which
will also be your Free Travel Card. The card will have “F-T” printed in a
yellow octagon in the top left-hand corner.
If you have not yet registered for the Public
Services Card, you will be asked to register before your Free Travel Card
issues to you.
The Public Services Card allows people to access a range of government
services and payments and it will eventually replace the Free Travel Pass. In order
to keep your entitlement to Free Travel, you must register for the Public
Services Card when requested to do so by the Department of Social Protection.
Your entitlement to Free Travel will be disallowed or withdrawn if you don't
register.
You must show your Public Services Card to the
travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. (In some cases you
may be asked to scan your Public Services Card. However, not all transport
operators have this facility.)
Note that people under 66 getting PRSI-based Carer’s Benefit are not entitled to a Free
Travel Card.
If you are living with the person you care for, you may also
be entitled to the Household Benefits Package, which includes an electricity or
gas allowance as well as a free TV licence.
Only one
person in a household can qualify for the package at any time.
Further
information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.
Know Your
Rights
has been compiled by Boyle Citizens
Information Centre which provides a free and confidential service to the
public. Tel: 0761 07 6330
Address:
Elphin Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Information
is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens
Information Phone Service - 0761 07 4000
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