Stop charging for disability proof cards
The Issue
My name is Lori, and I live with my daughter who has a disability. I know firsthand the daily challenges and struggles of living with a disability. What makes it even harder is the extra financial burden placed upon us to prove our disability. Many companies demand a specific disability identification card as proof, despite the fact that we have already established our needs with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through an official award letter. This situation is not only frustrating but also deeply unfair and exploitative.
The Department for Work and Pensions thoroughly assesses and verifies our disabilities before issuing an award letter. This should be sufficient evidence of our condition. However, more and more companies are refusing to acknowledge these letters and instead collaborating with agencies that offer paid disability ID cards. This forces disabled individuals to unnecessary and repetitive transactions, which they can ill afford.
According to data from Scope, a UK disability charity, disabled adults face extra living costs amounting to £583 per month on average. When you're already managing these expenses, an additional charge for a disability card becomes an unfair strain on personal finances.
Furthermore, this situation encourages an unethical business model where private enterprises profit from the disabled community's need to verify their status. It's estimated by the New Economics Foundation that 1 in 5 people in the UK are living with a disability, meaning millions are potentially affected by this profiteering.
We urge the DWP to issue a free, universally recognized disability card to every person with a confirmed disability. This card should serve as definitive proof and be accepted by all companies and organizations. In countries like Australia, the disability ID card is issued free of charge, and it is high time the UK follows suit.
I am calling on kind-hearted individuals, disability advocates, and allies to stand with us. Help us put an end to this financial exploitation. Sign this petition and urge the DWP to provide a free and universally accepted disability card, ensuring that proof of disability places no further burden on those who are already navigating financial and social challenges. Let's create a more inclusive and fair society for all.
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The Issue
My name is Lori, and I live with my daughter who has a disability. I know firsthand the daily challenges and struggles of living with a disability. What makes it even harder is the extra financial burden placed upon us to prove our disability. Many companies demand a specific disability identification card as proof, despite the fact that we have already established our needs with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through an official award letter. This situation is not only frustrating but also deeply unfair and exploitative.
The Department for Work and Pensions thoroughly assesses and verifies our disabilities before issuing an award letter. This should be sufficient evidence of our condition. However, more and more companies are refusing to acknowledge these letters and instead collaborating with agencies that offer paid disability ID cards. This forces disabled individuals to unnecessary and repetitive transactions, which they can ill afford.
According to data from Scope, a UK disability charity, disabled adults face extra living costs amounting to £583 per month on average. When you're already managing these expenses, an additional charge for a disability card becomes an unfair strain on personal finances.
Furthermore, this situation encourages an unethical business model where private enterprises profit from the disabled community's need to verify their status. It's estimated by the New Economics Foundation that 1 in 5 people in the UK are living with a disability, meaning millions are potentially affected by this profiteering.
We urge the DWP to issue a free, universally recognized disability card to every person with a confirmed disability. This card should serve as definitive proof and be accepted by all companies and organizations. In countries like Australia, the disability ID card is issued free of charge, and it is high time the UK follows suit.
I am calling on kind-hearted individuals, disability advocates, and allies to stand with us. Help us put an end to this financial exploitation. Sign this petition and urge the DWP to provide a free and universally accepted disability card, ensuring that proof of disability places no further burden on those who are already navigating financial and social challenges. Let's create a more inclusive and fair society for all.
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Petition created on 16 August 2026