For people feeling the strain of the cost of living crisis, the free travel scheme is a great way to use public transport.
The rising cost of living has seen us try to cut down on our daily spend as the cost of food, fuel and mortgage spirals in recent months. A travel pass could be one way to save some pennies and travel with no cost.
You may be eligible for free transport depending on your age, circumstance and where you live - so here’s all you need to know.
Read more: Thousands could receive double child benefit payment of €280 as part of cost of living package
What is the free travel scheme?
The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel free of charge on all public transport owned by the State. This includes bus, rail and Dublin’s LUAS with some exceptions.
Who is eligible?
Everyone aged 66 and over, legally living permanently in the State, is entitled to the Free Travel Scheme. Some people under 66 also qualify.
In some cases, a Free Travel Companion Card is available. This card allows a companion to travel with you for free.
Who can apply?
You may be entitled to free travel if you are legally and permanently living in the State. You can avail If you are aged 66 or over the department will automatically send you the Free Travel Card if you:
Are aged 66 or over, getting a social welfare pension or have confirmed your identity through the SAFE registration process when asked to do so. You may also avail if you are under 66 and are receiving an Invalidity Pension , Blind Pension , Disability Allowance or Carer's Allowance .
You may be entitled to the Free Travel Scheme if you are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over.
How to apply?
You can return your application with your supporting documents to the Free Travel Section by post to Social Welfare Services, Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo, Co. Sligo, F91 T384. You can check out www.gov.ie/freetravel/ , email freetravelqueries@welfare.ie or phone 0818 200 400 or (071) 915 7100.
What counties does it not work in?
You cannot use your existing free travel pass for travel within Northern Ireland. These counties include Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone.
To avail of free travel within Northern Ireland you must:
be age 66 or over
be in receipt of a Free Travel Card and
obtain a Senior SmartPass Card
Application forms for Senior SmartPass Cards are available at your local Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch Office or Citizens Information Centre. The completed application form must be brought given in person (not posted or emailed).
You must also bring the following documents:
A recent passport standard colour photograph
A form of ID (driving licence/passport/any other form of photo id, if available)
Evidence of address (a recent utility bill, for example electricity/gas/phone/waste charges bill or a bank/building society/credit union statement)
Current Free Travel Card
You can find out more here.
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