The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is a partnership between the Scottish Government and Scottish Councils that allows cardholders to use various services using a smartcard.

A key aim of the NEC is to try and replace many of the cards that the public carry around in their wallets and purses so that they will only need one card for things like library membership, leisure activities, cashless catering, concessionary travel and access to discounts.

Around 1.4 million people are already using the NEC and this number will grow as additional services are developed.

Currently the following groups can apply for the NEC:

11 to 15 and 18 to 25 year olds
You can apply for the NEC. Although you won't receive the travel concessions, the card can still be used as your Young Scot card.

16 to 18 year olds
You can apply for the NEC and additionally receive a concessionary bus card and a railcard voucher.

Full Time Volunteers - 19 to 25 years old
If you are working over 30 hours per week and meeting the criteria for Project Scotland you are also eligible for the concessionary travel scheme so you can apply for the NEC and additionally receive a concessionary bus card and a railcard voucher.

26 to 59 year olds
Plans are underway to fully roll out the NEC for those aged 25 to 60 years of age. Until the application is finalised the NEC for this age group is limited although if you are taking out a Profiles Plus leisure membership at DG One your details will be processed for an NEC.

Over 60s and Disabled People
You can apply for an NEC for free bus travel.

If you are in one of the groups above and want to  Applying for your National Entitlement Card, then an application form should be completed. At present, all application forms are available from Customer Service Centres and DG One in Dumfries.  Forms for the NEC for Young People are also available from secondary schools and Education HQ. Social Work offices also have forms for applicants who have a disability or visual impairment.

Paul Stark of Carrutherstown near Dumfries is among the first users of a newly customised National Entitlement Card from Dumfries and Galloway Council find out more  here [201kb].