Free Railcard for Selected People on Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit

Go to your Job Centre and mention this to them, and you may be eligible to get a FREE railcard which gives you 50% off train tickets.

What is the railcard and how does it work?

Jobcentres can issue the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card to those who have been claiming jobseekers' allowance or universal credit for at least three months. Your age helps determine whether you can apply and how long you can get a card for:

if you're aged 18-24... you can get the card if you've been receiving the required benefits for between three and nine months.

if you're 25 or older... you can get the card if receiving the required benefits for between three months and a year.

You might also be able to apply for a card if you have been claiming certain other benefits for at least three months and are actively looking for work.

To request a card you need to go in person to your nearest Jobcentre Plus branch. However, you're NOT guaranteed to get a card even if you meet the eligibility requirements above.

The Department for Work and Pensions says the cards are awarded on a case-by-case basis, so in order to actually get one you need to speak to staff at your local jobcentre about your circumstances and they will decide whether you would be issued a card.