Being a carer is a rewarding career in so many ways. Caregivers experience the joy of companionship by developing strong, long-lasting bonds with those they care for. They also feel peace and a sense of purpose by giving back and assisting those who need it most.

But being a carer isn’t a thankless job – and their sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed. In the UK and worldwide, there are specific discounts for carers that include free admission, reduced rates, and other significant savings.

Keep reading to discover some of the most impressive and popular discounts for carers so you can take advantage of all the available perks. 

Everyday Discounts for Carers

These discounts and savings are available to all carers all the time. Several websites and companies are dedicated to giving back to those who give the most. Below is a comprehensive list of these websites and the available benefits. 

Discounts for Carers

The name says it all. This website is one of the best resources for carers in the UK to unlock a wide range of savings, benefits, and promo codes from top brands and services. Discounts for Carers are designed for those who care for family members, live-in caregivers, care assistants, and anyone else classified as a carer. 

This website’s money-saving offers and discounts constantly change and update, but most offers fall within these categories.

• Discounts on Insurance
• Mobile phone deals
• Discounts on holiday and travel expenses
• Reduced gym memberships
• Discounts on electrical appliances and homeware
• Savings on essential payments (utilities, broadband, etc.)
• Discounts on top fashion brands
• Financial advice and guidance

Registering on Discounts for Carers is free. Once your account is verified and approved, you can start browsing the website’s deals and save money right away!

Care Friendly Card

To apply for many of these carers discounts, you need to prove your status. A Care Friendly Card is the easiest and most convenient way to do this. Signing up through Forward Carers is easy and affordable. For £15, your card will be valid for 2 years. You can also purchase a bundle that contains a lanyard and card holder for £25. Every purchase comes with a free digital copy of your ID card.

Once complete, you can use your new ID card for the following perks.

• Prove that you’re a carer
• Access online discounts and high street discounts through local and national businesses
• Access the exclusive Carer Friendly Community online and other resources.

Your Care Friendly Card also contains your ICE (in case of emergency) details on the back. If you’re no longer a carer, the person who takes over your role will understand the job’s requirements. This gives both you and your patients peace of mind.

CarerSmart

Similar to Discounts for Carers, signing up for CarerSmart is completely free. Members include carers, those with care needs, and other caregivers and volunteers. Once your account is approved, you can take advantage of these offers and discounts. 

• Savings on leisure and lifestyle activities
• Discounts on holidays and other forms of travel
• Cashback from several high-street retailers
• Discounted insurance renewals
• Reduced rates from energy suppliers
• Free legal advice and other services 

Discounts for Carers: Days Out

Everyone needs a break, so there are discounted days for carers throughout the UK. Taking time for yourself is essential for preventing caregiver burnout. Most of these discounts also apply to patients so carers and those they care for can enjoy a discounted day out together. Qualifying for many of these savings is as easy as enquiring with the organisation and asking what they offer. 

Below, we’ve done some of the legwork for you! Here are some of the most popular examples of discounted days for carers in the UK.

Cinema Tickets

Going to the cinema is a favourite pastime of many. And with a CEA card (Cinema Exhibitors Association), anyone with a disability can get an additional ticket for their caregiver to join them – for free! Possessing a CEA card also ensures that persons with disabilities are properly cared for during their visit. For example, if the patient needs assistance or special accommodations, the cinema can make necessary preparations beforehand.

Not all cinemas participate in this scheme, but many do. You also need to apply and qualify for this benefit. Requirements are minimal. All applicants must be at least 5 years old and currently receive the following assistance:

• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment 
• Adult or Child Disability Payment
• Armed Forces Independence Payment 

A CEA Card will cost you £6 for a year. 

Theatre Tickets

If you prefer the theatre over the cinema, discounts are available too. Many theatres offer discounts for both carers and the person they look after. Unlike the CEA Card, you need to contact each theatre individually to find out what benefits are available. Call or email the theatre you’re interested in and ask if they offer carer discounts. If they say yes, you may need to prove your status as a carer. Most theatres also have wheelchair access and reserved seating. 

You can search for theatre discounts on the Discounts for Carers website and the official Society of London Theatre website.

Theme Park Discounts

From the theatre to thrill rides, many theme parks offer exclusive offers to carers and those they care for. Unlike other discounts that only apply to certain venues, most UK theme parks participate and provide savings to carers. Another popular feature is “fast track” lines for rides and attractions that allow people with disabilities to skip the line.

Here are some of the most popular UK theme parks where carers can gain free admission.

• Alton Towers – Free admission is available for carers accompanying the person they care for.
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach – Parking is free. All relevant documentation must be submitted 7 days prior to your visit. 
• Chessington – Free admission for carers. The person you care for needs to pay full price.
• Drayton Manor – Carers with an Essential Companion ticket can attend for free, along with the person they care for.
• LEGOLAND – Carers receive one free ticket, but the person they care for must pay full price. 
• Thorpe Park – Carers get one free ticket when accompanying the person they care for.

Disneyland in Paris gives a 25% discount to guests with disabilities and their caregivers.

Animal Attractions

Calling all animal lovers! If you love visiting zoos, aquariums, or safaris, learning about the animals, and exploring different habitats, these discounts are for you. Numerous zoos and animal attractions throughout the UK participate in benefits and offers for caregivers, including free admission for carers. 

Here are some of the most popular attractions. 

• Chester Zoo – Guests with disabilities can have a companion or caregiver accompany them for free, as long as they pay full price for an adult or child’s ticket. 
• Edinburgh Zoo – Carers receive free entry if they are visiting with someone who requires assistance. Caregivers will need to provide relevant documents. 
• London Zoo – Free admission for an accompanying carer, plus discounted rates for visitors with disabilities.
• National Marine Aquarium – Free admission for carers with proof of service.
• Paignton Zoo – Free admission for one carer per person.
• Twycross Zoo – Special needs carers are free when visiting with the person they care for.
• Woburn Safari Park – Free admission for a single disabled person and free admission for their carer. Proof of disability is required.

Merlin Attractions

All theme parks run and operated by the Merlin Group offer free admission to a carer accompanying someone with a disability. These parks include Alton Towers, Chessington, and LEGOLAND. If the person you care for holds an annual Merlin Pass (or plans to get one), you can also claim a free carer pass simultaneously. 

These passes allow unlimited access to over 30 attractions in the UK, including the London Dungeon, the London Eye, Warwick Castle, Blackpool Tower, and SEA LIFE. This pass applies to all SEA LIFE centres, including SEA LIFE London, SEA LIFE Birmingham, and SEA LIFE Manchester. All carers need to provide proof, which may be through a Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, an Access Card, a Blue Badge, or something similar. 

Sporting Events and Matches

Some of the most popular football clubs will offer carers free admission for home games. Calling each stadium is the best way to determine if your football club offers these discounts. In the meantime, check out these organisations that make it more affordable for carers and people with disabilities to attend local sporting events and matches.

Level Playing Field 

This charity aims to improve the football experience for fans with disabilities. Level Playing Field provides a lot of helpful information about offers and discounts near you. Check the website for relevant contact information and the contact person’s name at each football club so you can ask about carer discounts and other accommodations. You can also perform a basic Google search to see if your favourite football club offers carer discounts.

For example, Charlton Athletic offers Personal Assistant and Accessibility Wheelchair tickets that can be used along with a free Essential Companion ticket. Northampton Town has several areas for guests in wheelchairs, plus a seating area for their caregivers. At Stevenage, all disabled guests pay full price but receive free admission for a carer or personal assistant. Liverpool has a similar policy. 

Football clubs aren’t the only sporting events that offer carer discounts. Wimbledon may offer free tickets to caregivers. England Rugby has an entire section dedicated to guests with disabilities and their companions. You can also search your favourite sports clubs, events, and venues on Discounts for Carers. Most offers are £10 off per ticket.

RHS Gardens

Do you love flowers, gardens, and beautiful natural surroundings? If so, you may want to take advantage of RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Gardens’ discounts for carers. There are over 200 RHS Gardens in the UK and overseas. When you visit with the person you care for, most locations offer a discounted entry fee. Check if your nearest location is hosting a special event or flower show before attending, as these discounts may not apply. This isn’t always the case, though. For example, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show does offer free entry for carers attending with the person they care for. 

Check out a full list of RHS locations here, plus the carer discounts they offer – if any.

Museums

Museums offer a great learning experience and an educational way to spend the day. Museums throughout the UK show their appreciation to carers by providing free admission when they visit with the person they care for, and that person pays for a ticket. As with other venues and deals on this list, the best way to find out if your favourite museum offers deals and discounts is by calling them directly or checking their website. 

A few museums that advertise free carer tickets with a disabled guest include:

• The British Museum (ask about discounts for the person you care for as well)
• Madame Tussauds
• The Science Museum 
• Jarrow Hall

National Trust and English Heritage Properties

All National Trust sites in the UK award up to two carers or essential companions free entry. This free ticket is only valid if you’re visiting with the person you care for and they purchase a ticket at full price. Carers can apply for an Essential Companion Card through the National Trust. This card identifies you as a companion and confirms that you need to provide care or assistance to someone else. 

To apply for an Essential Companion Card, you can contact the National Trust via phone, email, or post. 

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 0344 800 1895

Post – National Trust, PO BOX 574, Manvers, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S63 3FH

Carers are also eligible for free entry at all English Heritage sites and events if they accompany the person they care for. This person will need a “letter of authority” to ensure you’re given free entry during your visits. Contact the office at 0370 333 1182 or speak to the staff upon arrival.

Festivals

Many UK festivals provide carers with free admission so they can accompany the person they care for. If you’re curious about a specific festival, contact the organisers to get more information. Most festivals also provide dedicated accessibility sections for people with disabilities. Some examples include Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight. 

Concerts

This discount for carers is especially beneficial for music lovers. By visiting Concerts for Carers, you can claim free concert tickets. This charity organisation supports positive well-being and mental health following the Covid-19 pandemic. By rewarding carers with free concert tickets, the hope is to help individuals in pressured roles destress. 

Eligibility requirements include:

• You currently work in the NHS (all positions are eligible, including volunteers)
• You work in a care home, provide care to someone in their home, or work in a support role for a provider registered with a relevant regulatory body, including the Care Inspectorate in Scotland or the Care Quality Commission in England.

Additional Discounts, Offers, & Support for Carers 

These freebies and discounts for carers are just a few perks that hard-working caregivers in the UK can apply for and enjoy. Unpaid and informal carers may also be eligible for other unique benefits if you know where to look.

Local Council or Authority

The best place to find out if there are savings and offers available is to check with your local council or authority. Contact your local authority directly because benefits differ from one location to another. Ask if they provide deals for carers and the people they care for. If you and the person you care for live in different places, you may need to contact the council where they live.

Use this resource to help. 

Council Tax Discounts

Many UK residents are eligible for Council Tax discounts – including carers. Depending on your status, you may qualify for discounts and savings or not have to pay anything. Carers that reside with the person they care for may be eligible for an additional Council Tax discount. You’ll need to work 35 or more hours per week, and the person you care for can’t be your spouse, a child under 18, or a civil partner. 

The person you care for must also be receiving one of these benefits:

• Adult Disability Payment (the daily living component at the highest rate)
• Child Disability Payment (the care component at the highest rate)
• Attendance Allowance (any rate)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment 
• Personal Independence Payment (daily living component at any rate)
• Disability Living Allowance (the middle or high rate component)

Your local council can help you with the application process.

Discounts on Gas & Electric

Utilities like gas and electricity are some of the biggest expenses for homeowners in the UK. Regarding gas and electric discounts for carers, there are a few avenues to explore, like the following. 

• Contact your energy supplier or network operator directly and see if you can be added to their Priority Services Register. This benefit is for people struggling to pay their bills and residing in Wales, Scotland, or England.
• Some local councils award carers a £150 rebate if they’re in a Council Tax band from A to D.
• You can upgrade your home’s insulation through the Energy Company Obligation scheme if you live in Wales, Scotland, or England. This support allows you to perform energy-saving improvements to your home or heating system. 
• Carers who look after those with disabilities may be eligible for grants through Disability Rights UK.

Motability Scheme

Some disabilities and illnesses impact a person’s mobility. If the person you care for is receiving benefits due to a mobility issue, the Motability Scheme may help pay for a vehicle or a mobility device. This charity donates cars, mobility scooters, and powered wheelchairs to those in need. Carers can use this scheme on behalf of the person they care for, including children and those with disabilities that limit mobility. 

Disabled Persons Railcard

This benefit is for anyone with a disability who finds it difficult to travel on the train. At the time of this writing, a Disabled Persons Railcard costs £54 for three years or £20 for one year. This is worth it if you or the person you care for rides the train often. On average, a Disabled Persons Railcard will save you £4.26 per journey or £91 per person annually. The Railcard provides a ⅓ discount on all tickets for disabled riders and another ⅓ off for carers. These discounts apply to anyone riding with a disabled person – no proof is necessary.

Blue Badge Parking

Some people with disabilities have difficulty walking and may be eligible for a Blue Badge. Like the Motability Scheme, carers can use a Blue Badge on behalf of the person they care for. A Blue Badge allows you to park closer to certain buildings and locations using designated parking spaces. You may also be exempt from certain parking restrictions. You can apply for a Blue Badge for £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. In Wales, Blue Badges are free. All Blue Badges last for three years.

Other Benefits

Other carer benefits include:

• Carer’s Credit
• Carer Premium
• Carer’s Allowance (Carer’s Allowance Supplement in Scotland)
• Local welfare assistance (contact your local council for more details)
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

As with most discounts and benefits on this list, when in doubt, contact the organisation directly for more information or to apply.

Giving Back to Those Who Give Most

Being a carer is both a rewarding and highly demanding job. Whether you care for someone in their home, provide care to a family member or loved one, or work for a care agency, these benefits are a way for the community and charitable organisations to give back. Each discount works differently, so be sure to read all of the requirements and gather any necessary documents or proof beforehand.

For more helpful information about caregiving in the UK, check out the rest of your blog before you go.