In the News Rail Fares and The Universal Credit Railcard

RAIL FARES - Angry rail commuters heading back to work this morning will be met by the traditional annual New Year rail fare rise. Some rail fares set to go up by as much as £100 and customers facing an average increase of 2.7 percent. Not everyone is back to work yet. The full impact will be felt Monday.

In rural areas and towns, many more people travel to work by car and rely on local buses. The loss of bus services amid local government funding cuts and increasing bus fares should be just as much of an occupation for ministers as rail services. In Norfolk, for example, the largest operator has just announced a round of fare increases of up to 14 percent.

Ministers would do well to read about the frustrations of local councillors over “bus deserts” in say POLITICO some areas, and the growing expense of traveling even short distances.

ABC Note: Universal Credit claimants could be entitled to half price train travel because of a little known railcard that's linked to the Job Centre. Millions of people may be entitled to the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card which entitles you to 50% off selected rail journeys. We strongly recomend you applly for this. 

To be entitled to claim free NHS dental treatment you must be receiving Universal Credit, either as a single person or as a member of a couple, and: for the last complete assessment period* you and your partner (if you have one) had either no earnings or net earnings** of £435.00 or less.

If you cannot pay the costs upfront and claim reimbursement, you will be given a travel warrant.

The Advisor Discretion Fund cannot be used for travel to interview costs. Again, contact your local Jobcentre Plus to arrange an appointment to discuss your options.

You can claim help with travel costs to work if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive any of the following benefits: Income Support. ... income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Working Tax Credit (WTC) with Child Tax Credit (CTC)

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