Wins for your Wallet

Why might it be of interest?

I think anything that gives us ideas of where we can save money and things to do is going to be of interest!

I would be delighted to add to any part of this list if you’d like to share.

Cards

These are cards that help disabled people access the community and some may work for you.

Purpl

https://www.purpldiscounts.com/

Wide range of offers and discounts from groceries, beauty, fashion – 300+ brands

• You have to register and create an account
• You have to upload evidence of your disability
• Valid documents include:
  • Blue badge
  • PIP letter with award dates
  • Access card
  • Disabled bus pass
  • CEA card

There is a subscription – I can’t see how much but they use an example of a supermarket shop saving more than the subscription price on one shop.

National Disability Card

https://www.disabilityid.co.uk

There isn’t a single disability card that is accepted everywhere despite the name of this card!  However, they say it’s accepted at hundreds of places across the country and online.

The aim of the card is so that you can show others that you are disabled but it is also accepted as proof of eligibility for concessions and carer tickets.

The card costs £20 and is valid for 2 years

You have to provide evidence of your disability, for example:

• Blue badge
• Disabled person’s Freedom pass
• PIP letter
• Letter from your GP

Full list on the website

CEA Card

https://www.ceacard.co.uk/

If you like the cinema and need someone to go with you think about getting this card as it allows you to be accompanied by someone free of charge when buying a ticket.

Many cinemas have deals for frequent cinema goers – these are to manage the cost for the individual – the CEA card is so your carer can go for free.

It costs £6.50 per year and you have to evidence your disability – DLA or PIP for this card.

Access Card

https://www.accesscard.online/

This card offers proof of your requirements at different venues – events, live performances, festivals, theatres, sports events, etc – and you may also be able to get discounted tickets and free carers tickets.

As usual, evidence is required and this is basically DLA or PIP.  A letter from your GP might be considered and they might be willing to consider other evidence if needed.

It costs £15 for 3 years.

Days out

Most venues offer free carer tickets for one companion.  Check out specific websites for more information as some will allow more than one companion.

Where there are concessionary rates you will very likely have to have evidence that you are in receipt of an eligible benefit.  An eligible benefit is usually a means tested benefit such as Universal Credit.  PIP is not usually included as it is not means tested but it is listed as an eligible benefit at some venues.

You may need to book concessionary tickets as the number available might be limited or they are not sold at the gate.

Royal Days out in London, Windsor and Edinburgh

https://www.rct.uk/

A party of up to 6 (technically from the same household) can all book tickets for £1 each as long as one person in the party is receiving an eligible benefit – UC typically for our cohort.  Tickets have to be booked in advance and evidence will be needed.

RHS Wisley Gardens

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Ditto above.  It says you need to book but I have turned up and got in on the £1 ticket.

Kew Gardens

https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets

Kew allows the person on an eligible benefit to enter for £1.  Unusually, it lists PIP as an eligible benefit.

London Zoo

https://www.londonzoo.org/

London Zoo offers a significant concessionary rate for people on eligible benefits https://my.londonzoo.org/universal-credit-26-27/80611

The zoo also offers a small discount for disabled visitors who are not on eligible benefits.  You will need to show evidence of your PIP award, Freedom pass, National Disability Card, for example.

Thames Clippers

https://www.thamesclippers.com/booking/

Otherwise known as Thames Uber boats!  I went on one of these a few weeks ago to get between 2 places I wanted to visit and it’s a great way to get around.  I mention it here because you can get 1 or 2 day hop on hop off tickets and use the Thames to visit London attractions.  They offer concessions for people with disabilities, London Councils Freedom Pass or 60+ London Oyster photocard.  If you don’t have a freedom pass I don’t know what evidence you might need so do check that out.