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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To book myself a carer's ticket?

64 replies

No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:32

My son is 3. He has ASC. However, any three year old would need a parent present. When do you turn from parent to carer? Do you ever turn into a carer for ASC (he is mobile but can't do anything for himself)?

I'm a single parent family and I don't know if I'm unreasonable for booking a carer ticket for myself which would, of course, be free.

OP posts:
1cupofmilk · 05/02/2023 18:34

I think it's entirely reasonable to book a carers ticket, you maybe asked for proof and some places only accept DLA evidence or a blue badge. If you have proof I would take it in case you're asked.

OneTC · 05/02/2023 18:36

What's a carers ticket?

JADS · 05/02/2023 18:36

I'm not sure if there is a cut off point age wise, but yes you can book a free carer's ticket. We have had to leave attractions early due to ds (ASD) not coping so I feel less guilty about getting a carer's ticket.

IncompleteSenten · 05/02/2023 18:37

If you are entitled then yes, of course. Every little helps.

JADS · 05/02/2023 18:38

Having a child with ASC costs far more than the pathetic amount you get from DLA, you should feel no guilt

gamerchick · 05/02/2023 18:39

Always get the carers ticket if they're available. Disabilities are shit enough without taking advantage of the 'perks'

Spotsstripes · 05/02/2023 18:39

I started when I claimed dla (most places want proof).
The cinema carers card is for dc over 8.

Icedlatteplease · 05/02/2023 18:39

Most require proof of DLA, blue badge or igo/equivalent local council scheme. Some places take it on trust but really you should have one of those

Original poster
No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:40

I am in receipt of DLA for DS. I can take that as proof. We also tend to leave early as DS cannot cope with the hecticness of places. I just don't want to be seen as abusing this as any parent of a three year old would need to pay the full rates.

OP posts:
turrrniiipz · 05/02/2023 18:42

If a carers ticket is on offer, and my disabled child is going with me, I always get it. It's what it's there for.

I can't work at the moment due to the level of care my child needs. DLA/carers is a pathetic amount of money considering we are a one income family and my husbands wage is slightly above the threshold for any other type of support.

So no, I don't feel guilty taking up the offer of a carers ticket if we are able to do something nice for the kids and save a bit of money towards admission.

windyarse · 05/02/2023 18:43

You are overthinking it. You have a disabled child, carer tickets are available for you. Use it.

CrazyCorgi · 05/02/2023 18:43

Only do it if you’re sure they won’t ask for any proof of things such as DLA on the day. Otherwise, it might be cheaper to buy an advance ticket than pay full price on the day (obviously we all know free it better!) You just don’t want to be caught out. Can you not get DLA and carers? Have you applied?

turrrniiipz · 05/02/2023 18:43

No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:40

I am in receipt of DLA for DS. I can take that as proof. We also tend to leave early as DS cannot cope with the hecticness of places. I just don't want to be seen as abusing this as any parent of a three year old would need to pay the full rates.

Do you receive Carers allowance too? That's usually the proof of benefit they want to see.

CrazyCorgi · 05/02/2023 18:44

Whoops, sorry, just saw you do get DLA. Ignore that last bit of my post!

Original poster
No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:47

No I don't receive carers allowance as my income is too high. Is it carers allowance they want to see? I only received DLA but I'm by no means flush.

OP posts:
gogohmm · 05/02/2023 18:47

You normally need dla at middle rate or above, sometimes you must have mobility at the higher rate, some places are very strict others more flexible. We have the additional issue to dsd needs two carers these days due to her level of disability (adult) some places accept this others do not

Original poster
No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:50

It's for Longleat. I'm buying from the emergency services page and the criteria is this:

"Anyone able to provide proof of a disability is entitled to bring a carer free of charge, simply select your Carer Ticket on this page. 2 to 1 care can also be booked in this way - please just bring evidence confirming this requirement with you on your visit."

OP posts:
SouthCountryGirl · 05/02/2023 18:50

No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:47

No I don't receive carers allowance as my income is too high. Is it carers allowance they want to see? I only received DLA but I'm by no means flush.

When my friend booked me and her tickets, they just wanted proof of my disability. Nothing from her.

Glendaruel · 05/02/2023 18:50

As someone who runs an organisation that allows carers in for free, please do.

Original poster
No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:52

We get middle rate DLA. I'll risk it. I have proof of DLA and of emergency services job so I hope it will be enough for them.

OP posts:
turrrniiipz · 05/02/2023 18:54

I think it varies between organisations tbh, though I've always been asked for proof that I'm receipt of carers allowance when I've purchased carer tickets.

Some will want proof of actual carer status, so the carers allowance letter, others might just ask for DLA proof and all them a companion free.

Thirtyandflailing · 05/02/2023 18:54

My son is 4 and has problems with his joints and has a blue badge, I always book myself a carers ticket and also you might be able to get a fast pass so you get on rides etc quicker - works at peppa pig world etc. My son also doesn’t ‘look’ like he has mobility issues

turrrniiipz · 05/02/2023 18:54

Allow them a companion free *

fernfriend · 05/02/2023 18:57

No1Zero · 05/02/2023 18:50

It's for Longleat. I'm buying from the emergency services page and the criteria is this:

"Anyone able to provide proof of a disability is entitled to bring a carer free of charge, simply select your Carer Ticket on this page. 2 to 1 care can also be booked in this way - please just bring evidence confirming this requirement with you on your visit."

I have 2 autistic children and have booked carers ticket for Longleat. You will be fine with what you have as proof. I took their diagnosis letter. (I was unsure of what to bring as proof, like you!) The staff were lovely. They said any document with my kids' name and disablity would suffice.

Have an amazing time!

LegoGoldenDragon · 05/02/2023 18:59

You shouldn't need any proof of being a carer, that is evident by you being there. I have gone as a carer a couple of times to the theater with a friend, I am certainly not her legal carer. But I do help with things like getting there, carrying drinks etc.