Carer tickets for disabled children: what parents need to know

Who can get Disability Living Allowance for a child?

DLA for children is for children under 16 in England and Wales who need much more looking after than other children of the same age, or who have difficulty getting about. The needs must have lasted at least 3 months and be expected to last at least 6 months. Once a child is 16 or over, you apply for Personal Independence Payment instead.

Can I use my child's DLA award letter to get a free carer ticket at LEGOLAND Windsor?

Yes. LEGOLAND Windsor accepts DLA for children under 16, shown as an award letter or allowance book, as well as an Access Card with the +1 symbol and a valid Blue Badge. Documents must be dated within the last two years and are shown to the Admissions team on arrival.

How old does a carer have to be at LEGOLAND Windsor?

A carer at LEGOLAND Windsor must be at least 14 and must also meet each ride's restrictions. Children under 14 need to be with someone aged 16 or over.

What proof does Alton Towers accept for a disabled child's essential companion ticket?

Alton Towers lists DLA for children under 16 (award letter or allowance book) among accepted proof, along with a Blue Badge and an Access Card showing the Essential Companion symbol. You also need photo ID for the named recipient, and letters and care home ID cards are not accepted.

What is the minimum age for an essential companion at Alton Towers?

The companion must be at least 14 and able to help the disabled guest. They are expected to understand the guest's condition and help manage it during the visit.

Can a teenager be the carer at Thorpe Park?

Thorpe Park says a carer must be over 14 and capable of assisting the disabled guest. For more than one carer, a GP or consultant letter stating the number of carers is needed.

Does Chessington accept DLA for children as proof for a carer ticket?

Yes. Chessington lists entitlement to DLA for children under 16 as accepted proof, and also accepts an Access Card with the carer or companion symbol. The carer must be over 14 and understand the guest's condition.

Do disabled children get a carer ticket at London Zoo?

London Zoo offers disabled child ticket rates, and an essential carer can enter free with each ticket. Bring supporting documents, such as a DLA letter, plus a copy of the ticket you bought in advance.

Can my disabled child get a free carer at Chester Zoo?

Disabled visitors buying a full price Adult, Student or Child ticket can bring one carer free of charge, collected from the Ticket Sales windows on arrival. Accepted proof includes a Disability Allowance letter, a PIP letter, an Access Card with the +1 symbol, a National Disability Card or suitable council documents.

Can a parent or family member be the companion when booking accessible tickets on Ticketmaster UK?

Ticketmaster describes the companion space as being for a caregiver, friend or family member. The companion ticket may be free with an Access Card (+1 symbol) or another eligible scheme, otherwise it may need to be bought. Ticketmaster lists DLA among the documents it may ask for within 72 hours of booking.

How old must a theatre companion be at ATG venues, and can children have one?

At ATG, a Personal Assistant or Essential Companion must be at least 16, and a companion aged 16 or 17 cannot supervise anyone aged 15 or under. ATG says Nimbus may not automatically award companion tickets for children under 16, as children must always be supervised by a responsible adult. If a child under 16 is presented as a companion, ATG may charge full price or refuse entry.

Will my child get the +1 carer symbol on an Access Card?

Not automatically. The Access Card team says children often need some support when out, and a +1 is unlikely where a child is directly supervised and guided by a parent or other family member. The +1 is for support that goes beyond what family or friends with you could reasonably give, because of disability related needs.

Does AXS accept DLA as proof for accessible tickets?

Yes. AXS accepts the front page of a Disability Living Allowance letter with no specific rate needed, as well as an Access Card showing the +1 symbol. Expired documents are not accepted, and evidence must be sent through the secure form in the AXS email.