LIFT Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible for LIFT service if you have a disability or disabling health condition and your disability or health condition prevents you from independently using TriMet bus, MAX Light Rail, WES Commuter Rail and/or Portland Streetcar service some or all of the time (without assistance, other than from the bus driver).

Presence of a disability or a disabling health condition by itself does not make you eligible. Your ability to use transit is the basis for eligibility.

"Disability" includes a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Impairments may be due to aging and/or a health condition.

For example, someone's physical and/or mental impairment might prevent them from:

• getting to and from bus stops or MAX and WES stations
• waiting at a stop or station
• boarding and exiting
• understanding and remembering how to use the services
• finding their way

Categories of LIFT eligibility

A LIFT applicant's eligibility may be classified as conditional, unconditional or temporary. These categories are defined and mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulation.

Conditional eligibility

Conditional eligibility includes "conditions" describing when the person is unable to use fixed-route services. These eligibility conditions are described; however, LIFT relies on the individual to decide when they need to use LIFT service for any specific trip.

Unconditional eligibility

Unconditional eligibility means that the person's disability or health condition prevents them from using fixed-route services for all trips.

Temporary eligibility

Temporary eligibility is determined when the person's abilities and/or limitations are expected to change within a period of time.

Applying for LIFT service

To request a LIFT application packet by mail or fax, contact the LIFT office at 503-962-8000, option #2 or download the application packet below. Once your application is complete, an eligibility determination will be made within 21 days and you will receive notification by letter.