Last Updated: July 9, 2025
You may be aware that there are a number of money-saving schemes for professional care workers – like money off in restaurants, but did you know there are exclusive deals, discounts and free days out for unpaid carers too? Here we round up what’s available – from financial support like carer’s allowance, to discounted entry to local attractions.
Read on for free stuff for carers, and where you can find the best carers discounts.
Who is an unpaid carer?
A carer is someone, usually a family member or partner but also friends or neighbours, who looks after, helps, and supports someone who can’t manage everyday life without their help. A carer doesn’t need to be living with the person they care for, and the help offered doesn’t have to be physical. You could be offering mental wellbeing support by spending time with them or simply keeping an eye on them to make sure they are safe.
Help from your local council
You can have an assessment done by your local council to see what might help make your life easier. This can be done at the same time as the care needs assessment for the person you are caring for. The carer’s assessment is your opportunity to tell the council what you need as a carer; and find out what support may be available to you. The council will look at the care you provide and how it affects your life. They will also look at any support you receive, what else could help, and what you want the support to achieve.
Carer benefits
Carer’s Allowance
If you spend 35 hours a week caring for someone, you may be entitled to carer’s allowance. This is a weekly payment from the council to help you support your own health and wellbeing as a carer. A range of funding is offered – it is dependent on what the council assesses your needs to be and their budget constraints. If you are eligible, it will not be taxed and doesn’t affect any benefits you may already be receiving.
Apply for Carer’s Allowance on the Gov.UK website.
In addition to a Carer’s Allowance, you may be eligible for Carer’s Premium. This is an extra amount on top of the Carer’s Allowance. However, you must be eligible for the Carer’s Allowance to receive the Carer’s Premium even if you don’t actively receive a Carer’s Allowance.
Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record. You could get Carer’s Credit if you’re caring for someone for at least 20 hours a week, are over the age of 16, and under state pension age. The person you are caring for must be in receipt of certain benefits themselves for you to qualify, for example: Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance.
Find out if you are eligible and apply for Carer’s Credit
Money off gas and electricity
If you’re finding it difficult to pay your bills, you can try contacting your energy supplier and network operator to see if you qualify for their Priority Services Register. It provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply. This is available for residents of England, Scotland, and Wales, and you can check your eligibility here.
If you care for someone with a disability, or are disabled yourself, it may be beneficial to apply for a grant. Disability Rights UK has a great round-up of the help available here.
The website Turn2us provides extensive resources to help you manage rising energy costs. Including guidance on securing the best gas and electricity deals, understanding your bills, and tips on reducing your energy consumption.
Council Tax discounts
The person you care for may be exempt from paying Council Tax, and you as a carer living with them may also be exempt. In addition to this, if any other adults live in the house, they may also be eligible for a discount of 25% or 50%. If you don’t live in the same house, you may be eligible for a discount or exemption depending on how much time you spend in your own home, we recommend checking your local authority’s Council Tax page for more information.
Cards and discount membership schemes
Carer’s Card
If you are an unpaid carer, you are entitled to receive a Carer’s Card – sometimes called a Carer’s Discount Card or Carer’s Passport. This is a card that fits in your wallet and identifies you as an unpaid carer. It can entitle you to a range of benefits to help you and the person you care for get out and about. Sometimes, these cards also entitle you to exclusive savings, services and offers with local businesses, however not all local authorities offer a Carer’s Card at this time.
To find out if there is a scheme in your area, contact your local carer support organisation or via your local council.
CarerSmart Card
CarerSmart is a partner of Carers Trust. It is a club for carers, volunteers, people with care needs which is free to join. Members can benefit from a range of offers including:
- Cash back on shopping from numerous high street retailers
- Reductions on insurance renewals
- Discounts on holidays and travel arrangements
- Reduced price lifestyle activities
- Free and discounted legal advice services
Discounts for Carers
Discounts for Carers is a scheme for both paid and unpaid/family carers. They work with a huge range of brands to bring members numerous discounts, money-saving deals and vouchers. These include:
- Travel and holiday deals
- Mobile phone deals
- Fashion and homeware
- Gym membership
- Health & fitness – including gym membership
- Eating out
They also have an ode cashback card – which means you can get cashback when shopping at participating retailers.
There are a number of other carers discount cards which you can sign up to for an annual fee. These give you exclusive discounts – online discounts, free or discounted entry to attractions, carer discount at local shops and more.
Cinema & theatre
Many theatres offer discounted tickets for audience members with access requirements, and carers can also often attend free of charge or at a discounted rate too. You can find more information about concession theatre tickets by visiting individual theatres’ websites.
CEA Card – for film lovers
If the person you care for loves their films, looking into a CEA card may be a good choice. A CEA card costs £6 and gives you unlimited free access to the cinema with the person you look after. You are eligible for it if the person you care for receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance (AA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP), or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
You can find out about cinema tickets or apply for the CEA card.
National Trust and English Heritage Sites
Out and about – National Trust Essential Companion Card
A great way to get yourself and the person you care for outside is to sign up for a National Trust Essential Companion Card. Whether the person you care for is a National Trust member or not, this card entitles one or two carers to enter a National Trust Property for free.
You can apply for the National Trust Essential Companion Card by email, phone or mail, more information is available here.
It is also worth noting, National Trust have a handy ‘Access Guide’. This gives details of accessibility information and facilities at their sites.
Free entry at English Heritage
Carers are eligible for free entry to all English Heritage sites when accompanying the person they care for. If you call English Heritage on 0370 333 1182, they can give the person you care for a ‘letter of authority’ to ensure you get free entry when accompanying them.
Free entry for carers to visitor attractions
Lots of attractions and leisure facilities will provide free entry for unpaid carers supporting the person you care for. Each will have its own policy but many will not charge you to accompany the person you care for if they can’t go without you. In some cases you may be asked to provide proof of your carer status on arrival. This could include:
- Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance award letter
- Carer’s Allowance letter
- Personal Independence Payment letter
- A current and valid Blue Badge.
- Letter from GP or consultant confirming the need for a full-time carer.
The easiest way to find free tickets for carers is often to directly enquire with the particular attraction or check their website.
Museums
You can visit many museums across London without paying a fee, for example:
- British Museum
- National Gallery
- Natural History Museum
- Science Museum
- National Maritime Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
Many also offer concessions for paid exhibitions for disabled visitors, and companion tickets are also available free of charge.
Zoos, wildlife parks, and sea life centres
Many offer free entry for carers who are accompanying the person they care for.
- Chester Zoo offers free entry – Make sure to bring proof of entitlement such as a valid Blue Badge or PIP
- Woburn Safari Park – Tickets are available for one disabled individual plus one carer. Proof of disability is required
- Edinburgh Zoo – Carers are offered free admission into the park providing they bring proof such as an Access card with a ‘+1’ symbol, or DLA letter
- Free entry at Sea Life (various locations across England) when a guest with disabilities purchases a full price adult or child ticket
Theme parks
Most theme parks in the UK provide a complimentary ticket or provide discounts for carers. Below are some popular ones, including links to their accessibility information.
- LEGOLAND – Carer goes free, you will need to provide proof of your status as a carer.
- Thorpe Park – A disabled person gets one free carer ticket.
- Alton Towers – A free Essential Companion ticket is available when you accompany the person you’re caring for.
- Paultons Park – Essential Companion ticket is available for guests who require additional assistance – this grants access for both the guest requiring support and the Essential Companion
- Chessington – Carer admitted free, person you care for pays full price.
Discounted travel for carers
Carers can sometimes get travel concessions to accompany a person with disabilities on public transport. For example, if the person has a Disabled Person’s Railcard, this qualifies you to a discount when you travel with them by train.
Blue Badge parking
A Blue Badge entitles you to easier, often free parking. It allows you to park nearer to your destination or allows you to use designated parking spaces. If you, or the person you care for finds walking difficult, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge.
They are free in Wales, and cost £10 to £20 in England and Scotland.
On the high street
Previously mentioned Discount for Carers, gives members access to a range of offer discounts from high-street retailers. Popular offers can be viewed on their website and include:
Image by mrsiraphol on Freepik
Other support for carers
There is a lot of support available for carers from a wide range of organisations and charities, such as Citizens Advice, Carers UK, and Carers Trust. We have a dedicated section on our site here, as well as a searchable database of useful contacts. If you prefer information in a printed format, we also offer Regional Care Services Directories. These contain details of local support available, including local clubs, groups, day centres and more. Furthermore, they are free of charge and can be ordered here.
It is important to let your GP know about your role as a carer. Once your GP surgery knows they will give your priority for appointments, and if you and the person you care for go to the same surgery they can even book the appointments one after the other so you only need to make one trip to the surgery.
If you are employed you are entitled to take time off in emergencies and to request flexible working hours so you can both work and care for someone who needs you. Check with your employer’s HR team to see what help and support they can offer you in times of crisis or in everyday life as a carer.
