Looking for Work? Travel for less with the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card

The Jobcentre Plus travel discount card is designed to help jobseekers travel to interviews, training sessions, and their first few shifts in their new job. It’s all about easing the transition back into work. We will cover what it is; the benefits it gives; how to apply for it; and how you can start using it. 

What Is the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount?

Anyone currently out of work and in receipt of the New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit (UC) is eligible to apply for a free Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount card. If successful, the card will give you a 50% discount on some types of rail and bus travel. This is so you can find easier ways to attend job interviews and career-based training.

How does the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount work?

It’s important to note that you will not get discounts on all train and bus services in your local area. Your local Jobcentre Plus will be able to provide localised guidance so that you can plan your travel to and from your next round of interviews. 

If you live in London, you will also get 50% off all Tube travel when you present your discount card with your Oyster card. There is also the option to make use of discounts on Santander Cycle Hire, with this scheme currently set to be rolled out in other major cities. 

Will I Be Eligible for the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount?

Do you get free travel if you are on Universal Credit? Can you claim travel expenses on Universal Credit? These are natural questions to ask to ensure you get exactly what you’re entitled to. 

To qualify for a Universal Credit Travel Discount card, you must be: 

• Claiming JSA or UC and
  • be between 18-24 years of age and unemployed for 13-39 weeks
  • be 25 or over and unemployed for 13-52 weeks
• Claiming Employment & Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, or Income Support while also actively engaged with an adviser to find their way back to employment

How Can I Apply for My Travel Discount Card?

Unfortunately, you must attend your local Jobcentre Plus office in person as online applications are not currently possible. Once there, you will be asked for: 

• Proof of identity: passport, driving license, provisional driving license 
• Proof of address: council tax or utility bill issued within the last 3 months 
• Proof of employment status: this will be registered with Jobcentre Plus if you have actively engaged them in your search 

Processing times can vary depending on location and time of year, but 7-10 working days is typical. 

Which Modes of Travel Can I Use My Discount On?

You can use your discount on train services if you are travelling to attend an interview or training session. Local restrictions will apply and can be outlined by your local Jobcentre Plus. 

Discount card holders can save 50% on Anytime Day and Off-Peak Day tickets, as well as on Season tickets for up to 3 months. If you live in London and use the Tube, you can do the same for an Oyster Card Season ticket. Your local Jobcentre Plus will also be able to recommend bus routes which will offer a 50% discount on travel. 

It’s important to note that your discount is not valid on private transport arrangements such as car rental, Uber, or minicabs. 

How Do I Start Using My Approved Discount?

This is simply a matter of presenting your new card at the time of purchase. This is why you must wait for your physical card to arrive in the post before you can claim your discount. Any travel paid for between being approved and receiving your card cannot be claimed for after the fact. 

All bus drivers and train operators will be familiar with your discount and have no issue deducting it from your fare.

How Do I Renew My Travel Discount?

Your card automatically expires after 3 months of the date of issue, and you won’t be able to renew it. This is to encourage cardholders to take steps to get back into work as quickly as possible.

However, if you can visit in-person and hope that staff may be able to use their discretion. A common example is a cardholder gaining employment and then being given a 3-month extension to their discount to ease them back into the world of work. 

Easing back into the world of work 

Your Travel Discount card gives you 50% off many local bus and train routes when travelling for training, interviews, and your first days in a new job. Applications can be made online or in-person at your local Jobcentre Plus. The scheme runs for 3 months from the date your card is active and is designed to ease the transition back into the world of work. 

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