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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get a free carer's ticket?

55 replies

roseapothecary · 04/08/2021 17:25

Looking at booking tickets for a day out for DS1's bday, they have free carers tickets. DS2 is 3 and receives DLA. Does this mean we could get a free carer's ticket for me or DH or is it aimed at adults who need a carer?
Obviously a 3 year old would need an adult with them regardless of any disabilities, so not sure if it's allowed or even if it is whether it would be morally wrong?

OP posts:
wordsareveryunnecessary · 04/08/2021 17:28

You get in as the carer 😊

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 04/08/2021 17:28

It's worth asking.

It might be the case that just one of you could manage your ds if he did not have disabilities, so a carers ticket would just put you back in the same position as a family with no disabilities.
They always seem to have a different rationale so it might be worth asking in advance.

Ponoka7 · 04/08/2021 17:28

I'd still take advantage of the offer. It's for anyone in receipt of DLA/PIP. The person accompanying the person on the benefit gets the free ticket.

Ponoka7 · 04/08/2021 17:29

However sometimes a family ticket works out the same price.

gogohm · 04/08/2021 17:30

It's worth asking many places do allow it, but sometimes free tickets are restricted to over 16's because children are always accompanied.

LeroyJenkinssss · 04/08/2021 17:31

Honestly get it. Work out if it’s the cheapest option and don’t think twice about it if you do get it

caughtinanet · 04/08/2021 17:31

I'd check with the actual place, better to find out from the horses mouth in case they have specific rules. Better to know that have hassle when you get there

Legoisawesome · 04/08/2021 17:31

Take the discount. Days out with my disabled child often end prematurely or we can’t enjoy all that’s on offer because he gets overwhelmed. This means we have far less good value from a day out and the carers tickets help balance this out. Also have a disabled child is expensive and these things really help. Don’t feel bad.

Disfordarkchocolate · 04/08/2021 17:31

Get the free ticket.

Goodtohear · 04/08/2021 17:38

Yes because you may need to give one to one care meaning your unable to care for another child as well.

DeflatedGinDrinker · 04/08/2021 17:42

100% you can get it.

Original poster
roseapothecary · 04/08/2021 17:43

Thanks for the replies
It's true that with just one of us my older child gets practically ignored as my 3 year old is so high needs.
I will check whether I can get a carer's ticket and if so get one and try not to feel guilty!

OP posts:
DeflatedGinDrinker · 04/08/2021 17:44

It's in case of something like an emergency, you are there to care for your child.

weebarra · 04/08/2021 17:45

It's aimed at you! You are a carer and if you r child is in receipt of DLA you should get it. Nothing morally wrong about it! Enjoy your day!

BreakfastOfWaffles · 04/08/2021 17:47

Is it a Merlin theme park? If so, they will also qualify for the ride access pass which means you don't have to queue for the rides, (but you have to leave a gap between arriving at each ride).

Namechangeforthis88 · 04/08/2021 17:47

Don't feel guilty! There is plenty of extra expense and difficulty for disabled children and their families, so take this tiny win!

SimonJT · 04/08/2021 17:48

Its worth asking.

My husband gets PIP, he took my son to a farm/play place recently, my son (6) got in free as a carer 😂 as they automatically make one ticket a free carer one if a paying person has PIP/DLA/bluebadge

Angel2702 · 04/08/2021 18:17

Yes you are entitled to the ticket. We usually use it to bring an extra adult with us in case DS needs to leave early, go and have time to calm down etc.

Ozanj · 04/08/2021 18:21

Ask them. A lot of places will give you a carers ticket for a child while you’re waiting for a diagnosis too. There’s no hard and fast rule.

Mickarooni · 04/08/2021 18:24

Take it. There are many additional expenses being a carer. Lots of places offer it, especially to children. There’s a reason for that. Enjoy your day out. :)

Clocktopus · 04/08/2021 18:28

Take the discount. Days out with my disabled child often end prematurely or we can’t enjoy all that’s on offer because he gets overwhelmed. This means we have far less good value from a day out and the carers tickets help balance this out. Also have a disabled child is expensive and these things really help. Don’t feel bad.

This.

Your focus is going to be on your child and their needs, you potentially might need to leave early if they get overwhelmed or they've had enough, and you possibly won't be able to use all of the attractions so aren't getting the full value of a ticket, plus the costs of having a disabled child impact family finances in other ways. Take the ticket and have a lovely time.

I remember taking DS to the aquarium once. He ran pell-mell past every tank until he got to the clownfish, announced "I found Nemo, let's go home" and then strolled off to the exit. I was very glad I'd used our Max Cards and hadn't paid.

Do you have a Max Card? Contact the disabled children's team at your local council if you don't, it's a card that gets you free/discounted entry to attractions all over the UK as well as small discounts on some holiday parks, at some it's just for you or your child but for others it's free for your whole family group and sometimes it includes queue jumpers as well.

saraclara · 04/08/2021 18:31

Please don't feel guilty. As others have said, with a child with disabilities, it's hard to get full value for money, as outings might get cut short. Go for it and enjoy.

girlmom21 · 04/08/2021 18:34

I thought the carer tickets were cheaper because many carers have a limited income due to their responsibilities, rather than it being because the person with the disability needed someone with them and wouldn't be able to enjoy the experience anyway.

Either way, if you're eligible get the cheaper ticket!

girlmom21 · 04/08/2021 18:34

That read wrong... I meant to put a comma before 'anyway'

Freefalling22 · 04/08/2021 18:35

Absolutely do it!
We wanted to take DCs to a localish attraction. My 4yo receives DLA so I emailed them directly and they said that I qualify for the Carers ticket.

Having a SN child is hard, make life a little easier whenever possible Smile

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