Request ID: FOI-2728-2324 Date published: 22 November 2023
You asked
Pursuant to your website page of www.tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/bus-and-tram-discount, you state the eligibility requirements for an individual to successfully obtain a TFL buss and tram discount card ('Discount').
And, claiming one of these benefits:
- Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance
- Jobseekers Allowance for at least 13 weeks
- Universal Credit for at least 13 weeks, and not earning more than the threshold defined by the Department for Work and Pensions.'
The information stated on the website is remarkably clear, concise, and straightforward. Nevertheless, confusion exists as to whether there is an additional requirement for Discount eligibility, that of the individual applying must be looking for work. Thus, individuals who are not looking for work due to being in receipt of the Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity with Universal Credits are not eligible for the Discount.
In light of the above, I would accordingly be grateful if you would please:
1. confirm whether such a requirement does in fact exist, together with providing any relevant policies, procedures, protocols, and any relevant documents of a similar nature; and 2. if the requirement does in fact exist to update your website with the same so that the information you provide is factually correct.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2728-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 1 November 2023, asking for information about eligibility requirements for Bus & Tram Discount photo card.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
As far as we are aware the requirement to look for work varies from none to some, depending on the type of benefit being claimed - Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance, or Universal Credit. It is the JobCentre who determines this, tailored to the individual claimant.
We do not include (and have no plans to) information on the requirement to work as this falls within the remit of the JobCentre.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
