Page contents
Being an unpaid carer can be a rewarding and demanding role, on your time, your wellbeing and your finances. There is financial support available for carers, such as Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment. You may be able to get practical support through state-funded home care, charities or after having a Carer’s Assessment. This article details things you can get heavily discounted or free as a carer.
Admittance to cinemas and tourist attractions
Many cinemas, attractions and days out offer free entry to carers. You must be there with the person you support.
You may also be able to use priority access together, rather than waiting in the standard queues. This depends on the venue.
Some attractions you can go to free as a carer include:
- Around 90% of UK cinemas, if the person you care for carries a CEA card
- All attractions partnered with Merlin Pass, including Alton Towers, Legoland, Chessington, Thorpe Park, the various Dungeons and many more. See below for information on the Merlin Carer’s Pass.
- Warner Bros Studio Tour London
- National Trust properties
- English Heritage sites
- Most zoos
You can access wide a range of free and discounted tickets, and other discounts for shopping, services and holidays, on discountsforcarers.com.
How do I prove I’m a carer?
If you are going to the cinema or an attraction with the person you care for, their documents serve as proof that you are their carer.
Documents that can be accepted include:
- Cinema CEA card
- PIP eligibility letter
- DLA eligibility letter
- Attendance Allowance eligibility letter
- Valid Blue Badge
- Certificate of Visual Impairment
It’s best to check on the attraction’s website before going which documents they’ll accept as it can vary.
Merlin Pass and Carer’s Pass
If they have a Merlin Pass, you can arrange for a Carer’s Pass to take with you when you go to attractions. This pass is free of charge and you can apply for it on the Merlin website.
National Trust Essential Companion Card
The National Trusts offers free access for up to two carers with their Essential Companion card.
The card is free and is held by the person needing support. They must have valid National Trust membership.
They can apply for the card via telephoning, emailing or writing to the National Trust.
Can I get free prescriptions, glasses or dental treatment as a carer?
You’re not automatically eligible for free prescriptions, glasses or dental treatment on the sole basis of being a carer. However, you may meet other criteria which could qualify you.
You may get free prescriptions, glasses or dental treatment if you:
- Are aged over 60 (prescriptions and glasses, not dental treatment)
- Are on certain benefits including:
- The Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-Based JSA
- Income-related ESA
- You have an HC2 certificate as part of the NHS Low Income Scheme
Carer Council Tax Discount
Carers can be disregarded from paying council tax if you meet certain criteria. You must live with the person you can for and not be their spouse or partner. They must also be in receipt of certain benefits.
For more information, see our Carer Council Tax Discount article.
If the person you care for lives with dementia or another condition that affects their brain, they may qualify for a discount of up to 100% off their council tax bill through the Severe Mental Impairment Council Tax Discount.
Related Articles
