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Everyday life: accessible banking, utilities Priority Services Register and disability discounts

How to get extra support from banks and energy or water companies, sign up to the free Priority Services Register, and find legitimate disability-related discounts.

Sample content. This prototype article summarises official UK sources listed at the end of the page. It is information, not legal or medical advice, and what you are entitled to depends on your circumstances.

Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Date last checked
12 January 2026
Date last updated
12 January 2026
Next review due
12 July 2026
Article version
1.0
Review status
Review status: Published and checked

Overview

Most UK banks offer accessible banking options, including BSL video banking, talking cash machines, braille or large-print statements, and additional support for people who need help managing money, sometimes through a registered third-party or 'additional support' flag on your account.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service offered by energy suppliers, network operators and water companies across the UK to give extra help to people who are disabled, chronically ill, or otherwise vulnerable, such as advance notice of power cuts, accessible bills, and safety checks.

Many transport, leisure and retail organisations offer disability-related discounts or concessions, such as the Disabled Persons Railcard, companion tickets for cinemas and attractions via schemes like the Access Card or CEA card, and reduced-cost travel passes (which differ by nation, for example free bus travel for disabled people in Scotland and Wales).

Ofcom requires telecoms providers to offer certain accessible services, such as textphone relay services and accessible bills, and some broadband and mobile providers offer social tariffs for people receiving certain benefits.

Common barriers people describe

  • Not everyone eligible for the Priority Services Register is signed up, because awareness is low and sign-up processes differ between suppliers.
  • Accessible banking features are not consistently available at every branch or through every provider.
  • Some genuine discount schemes require proof of disability or benefit receipt, which can be a barrier for people without formal documentation.
  • Scam companies sometimes falsely claim to offer 'disability grants' or discounts in exchange for personal or financial details; always check with the official provider or a trusted charity first.

Practical support

  • Contact your energy supplier, network operator, and water company directly to register for their Priority Services Register; a single registration with your electricity supplier can sometimes be shared with your gas and water suppliers too.
  • Ask your bank about accessible banking options, including BSL video banking, audio or braille statements, and whether you can nominate someone to help manage your account with appropriate safeguards.
  • Apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard for cheaper rail travel, and look into local concessionary travel schemes run by your council or transport authority.
  • Check the Access Card or CEA card schemes if you need a companion to accompany you to cinemas or attractions at reduced or no extra cost.

Your rights

  • Ofgem and Ofwat require energy and water companies to maintain a Priority Services Register and provide certain protections, such as not disconnecting vulnerable customers' supply in specific circumstances.
  • Under the Equality Act 2010, banks and other service providers must consider reasonable adjustments, which can include accessible communication formats and extra time or support to complete transactions.
  • If you're refused reasonable support by a bank, utility company or transport provider, you can complain to the organisation and then, if unresolved, to the relevant ombudsman (such as the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Energy Ombudsman).

Possible benefits and financial support

These are things you may want to check. Nothing here is a decision, and entitlement always depends on your circumstances.

  • Some energy suppliers offer a Warm Home Discount or similar rebate to eligible low-income and disabled customers; eligibility rules differ across England, Scotland and Wales.
  • Water companies run 'WaterSure' or similar schemes capping bills for some households with high water needs due to a medical condition or large family size.

Workplace adjustments to consider

    Education adjustments to consider

      Getting healthcare that works for you

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        Sources

        Every fact on this page comes from the sources below. Follow the links for the full, official version.

        Update history

        • Version 1.0 — 12 January 2026

          First published sample article on accessible banking, the Priority Services Register and disability discounts.

          Approved by: Editorial reviewer (sample)

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