When you’re disabled saving money matters but so does disabled joy! So here are some of my favourite disability discounts that you might not know about to help you save money AND do the things you love in an accessible way!
There aren’t many actual perks to being disabled, I mean, chronic pain, access barriers, and endless admin don’t exactly scream “lucky you!” But there are a few schemes out there that can make life a little more affordable, and dare I say it, joyful, if you know where to look.
I wish someone had told me about these sooner. Some of them genuinely make a difference in whether something feels accessible, not just physically, but financially too. So here’s a breakdown of seven UK schemes and discounts that can help stretch your budget further if you’re disabled plus how to apply, even if you’re not sure you meet the “official” criteria.
Let’s get into it…
1. CEA Card: Free cinema ticket for your companion
The CEA Card is a national scheme that allows a disabled cinema-goer to bring a carer or companion for free. It’s valid at most major UK cinema chains including Cineworld, Odeon, Vue, and Showcase.
Eligibility:
You technically need to be receiving certain benefits (like PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance) to apply, but I know people who’ve successfully applied with a GP letter if they don’t have formal benefits in place yet. So it’s always worth trying.
Cost: £6 for one year.
Totally worth it if you go even just once or twice!
Bonus tip: When I worked at the cinema, you could stack this with 2-for-1 offers (like Meerkat Movies), which meant three people could go for the price of one!
2. Theatre Access Schemes: Cheaper (and better!) seats
As a theatre kid this is one of my absolute favourites that I didn’t know about when I first became disabled! Most major theatres in the UK have an Access Scheme you can join, which gives you access to accessible seating and sometimes discounted or companion tickets too. The really brilliant part? Because there’s usually limited accessible seating, you can sometimes get top-tier views for the price of the cheapest ticket in the house.
Example: I looked up tickets for Hercules recently, two non-disabled seats cost £159, but I could book the same two accessible seats for under £58. Same show. Same night. Same Spot. Big difference.
Eligibility:
Each theatre is different, but most ask you to sign up for their access list and provide proof of access needs, this can be PIP, a GP letter, or Access Card (more on that in a sec). Check individual theatre websites for the exact process depending on what shows you want to see!
Here are some examples:
3. Travel Cards: Cheaper (and sometimes free) travel
Depending on where you live, you might be eligible for a free bus pass, discounted rail travel, or concessionary fares on other public transport even ferries!
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- Disabled Person’s Railcard – 1/3 off train fares for you and a companion. £20/year or £54 for 3 years.
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- National Rail for Wheelchair Users – Get 50% off train travel on national rail if you are a wheelchair user who remains in their wheelchair for travel & 50% off for an adult companion too (on Anytime day return tickets). Check out the website for all the details. Downsides are that it’s not avaliable in London and you can only book from staff at stations.
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- Freedom Pass (London) – Free travel on buses, trains, trams, and more.
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- Welsh Government Travel Pass – Free bus travel and some local rail services in Wales.
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- ENCTS Pass (England) – Free bus travel in your local area (find out more via your local council website).
Eligibility:
This varies by area, but PIP, DLA, a Blue Badge, or GP letters may be accepted. Some councils are more flexible than others, so don’t be discouraged if you’re unsure, just ask.
4. Exemptions from Car Tax, Congestion Charge & Tolls
If you’re a disabled driver or travel with one, you might be eligible for:
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- Car Tax Exemption – Full exemption if you receive higher-rate mobility PIP/DLA; 50% off for standard rate. If you’re sorting this out for the first time head down to your local post office that deals with vehicle tax.
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- London Congestion Charge Exemption – Apply via TfL’s website.
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- Toll Road Exemptions – Some (like the Dartford Crossing) offer free passage if your vehicle is tax-exempt due to disability. Unfortunately you often have to sign up for these individually and well in advance of when you plan to cross. You can find details here.
Eligibility:
Usually requires Blue Badge status and/or car tax exemption proof. Applications can take a little admin but are 100% worth it if you regularly travel through certain tolls.
5. VAT Relief on Disability-Related Products
Did you know you don’t have to pay VAT on certain disability aids and services? This includes things like:
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- Wheelchairs and powerchairs
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- Adjustable beds and riser recliners
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- Accessible bathrooms
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- Installation and maintenance of eligible products
How to claim:
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- Most specialist retailers have a VAT relief form built into their checkout process.
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- For others (like Amazon), you can download a form from HMRC and contact the seller.
Important:
You don’t need to be receiving benefits, just be buying the product for personal use and have a qualifying condition or impairment.
6. The Access Card: Your Shortcut to Easier Bookings
The Access Card is like a disability ID card that quickly communicates your access needs using easy-to-understand icons. Loads of venues accept it, from cinemas and theatres to festivals, events, and even some tourist attractions.
Why it’s great:
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- You can use it in place of providing letters every time.
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- It’s recognised by many big venues (including some that offer free PA tickets).
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- It can make the booking process less exhausting.
Cost: £15 for 3 years
Eligibility: Fill out their online form and submit evidence of your access needs.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perks, It’s About Access and Joy
Let’s be real: most of these schemes exist not as bonuses but as tools to make the world just a little more accessible. They’re not luxury extras, they’re ways to help disabled people enjoy the same things as everyone else, without spending more just because access costs extra.
So whether it’s saving on a cinema night out, finally seeing a show you love, or just cutting down the cost of getting around, you deserve to know what help is out there.
I hope this post helps you (or someone you love) feel a bit more empowered and a lot less out of pocket.
What other schemes or discounts do you use? Have you had good (or not-so-good) experiences with these? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this with a disabled pal who might find it helpful.
