Carers tickets

Book 2 carer’s tickets.

If both children require a carer, 2 adults can get carers tickets. Same as if one parent was taking one disabled child, then they would only need to buy the child's ticket. If your feeling self-conscious about asking for 2, you could even book in as two groups, with one parent/carer in each.

While I see the argument that they would need an adult there anyway, a family with disabilities is likely to get less use of the venue then other families. Consider all the time you've left places early because one of the DC was struggling, when other families would have stayed a full day, or the times you've needed to avoid the busy parts or had to stick to quieter times of day. Paying less reflects this.

If both children receive DLA or have access cards with a +1 (depending on the venue) then yes you can get 2 free (or discounted) carers.

My mum and my DS both get PIP, when I take them both out we get 2 carers tickets.

Yes I second this too. Although DS is still too young to go alone I feel having to pay less to get us all in reflects that we would often have to go back a few times to do as much at each attraction as a family with a similarly-aged non-disabled child as we often can’t stay very long.

We have a card, it actually gets 2 carers in as dad needs 2:1. Some venues don't use the card and require pip paperwork instead, some don't allow free carers for children unless they need an additional carer as children can't attend alone anyway

I have never been asked to provide proof that I get carer’s allowance or that my DS gets DLA and we go places all over the country (England, Wales and Scotland) and make use of the free entry for a carer/PA extensively, and have done for years.

My local authority hands out flimsy, laminated bits of credit card sized paper when you sign up to their register of disabled children, and that is all I have ever shown to anyone, but most don’t even ask to see that. For clarity my DS has an invisible disability.

I don’t work. DS’s needs make that hard. I justify getting free entry for myself on the basis that if DS wasn’t disabled I would be working and we’d be better off. Also, as he doesn’t attend extra-curricular activities, as there are next to none that meet his needs that he’d be interested in doing, I need to do something to keep him busy, and going to zoos, farms, NT sites, museums, etc is what he likes. We have several annual memberships for attractions near us just in DS’s name but with a free, un-named carer, which can then be me, DP, other family members etc.

With two disabled children I would not have any qualms in booking two carers tickets.

Book two. You have two children with additional needs. You couldn't leave either of them alone so you need someone for each of them.

That's really bad an cross on your behalf. Hope you still enjoyed the day.

I did try and argue but they were having none of it.

It was the biggest agricultural show in the north east so you would imagine disability would be considered.

They were wrong to do that they either provide a free carer or they don't they can't discriminate based on someone's earnings.

I have an Access Card for my DD. Not exactly the same scenario but I've been to quite a lot of places and paid for 2 or 3 child tickets and got 1 free carer ticket (i.e. I was the only adult attending). Nowhere has said I can't do that so far. We often don't stay as long as other families and I think the discount is also recognition of the extra costs of having disabled children (or being disabled).

Juts book the tickets and don't give it another thought

We've been refused at a few places because although we had DLA letters etc... they based their policies on the carer not the disabled person.

It was mainly outdoor events like agricultural shows/fairs.

It's not related to carers allowance in any way. The vast majority of carers earn too much to qualify for CA.

It's one free carer per disabled child. You generally need proof of the child's DLA, you don't even need to be a registered carer. Don't feel bad OP, the concession is there to be used!

Historically DLA and PIP letters have been enough proof for a careers ticket for me but a number of places are now insisting on an access card.

No one has ever asked to see my carer’s allowance proof for a carer ticket (I don’t qualify for CA)

The DLA (and then PIP) letter has been enough.

And yes, OP, get two carers ticket. Do separate transactions if it makes it easier, one for you and dc, one for DH and dc.

Venues vary. Some places require proof of disability, others receipt of carers . Easiest to ring venue.
If you have two children in receipt of DLA both you and your H could both be allowed entry as their carers. In that case I would expect only to be charged 2 children tickets.

My two nephews are disabled and me and their mum always get two carers tickets. But it does depend on the venue. Alton towers, Lego land and Chester zoo are brilliant for accommodating carers. Blackpool pleasure beach, not so much. We have access cards but if pre booking some places allow you to send proof of DLA before hand to fasttrack entrance. Check the websites accessibility page.

The question is do each of your children need a carer, beyond that of a child their age, or would 1 adult manage both? Would you be able to take them both on your own and your children be able to access as much whilst there as 2 other children their age?

I'm going to suggest that you do need more than 1 adult (with eyes in the back of your head and much more...) for each child and therefore the 2 carers tickets are justified. If you children coped as well as their peers, they wouldn't have the diagnosis they do would they?

It's a hard on OP. I get that. (I have 1 disabled child who many will say - she's not disabled...) We make use of the discounts and reductions for her as without them she (nor her brother) would get to experience these things as she would not cope.

(Have you applied for DLA for the kids too?)

If you can book two then book two. I can't imagine a day out with three children, two with additional needs is easy, and I certainly wouldn't begrudge you that second ticket. Can't imagine anyone else would either.

So does your husband have a carers ticket? I don’t even know what one of these are

This ⬆️

At least 1 in 5 are now classed as disabled. Being disabled e.g dyslexic, doesn’t automatically mean you need carer support. You need to check out the t&cs of the places you want to visit

Yes it's perfectly possible to get 2. We do.

But it depends on the place/event as often they have individual rules. Some require evidence of the disability like a dla letter but some require a carer's letter. Unless you have 2 registered carers then you might not qualify.

It's nothing to do with CA. I'm entitled to a carer ticket for friends. Only I have been asked for proof.