If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, there could be UK disability discounts and money-saving schemes you are entitled to but have never been told about.
Some can cut everyday costs. Others can make travel, cinema trips and days out cheaper. Depending on your circumstances, you could also find free companion tickets, Council Tax savings, VAT relief and motoring concessions.
However, there is no single scheme that every disabled person qualifies for. Eligibility varies, and some disability cards are privately run rather than official government schemes.
That is why I have put this guide together.
I have checked the main schemes, what they offer and the important eligibility rules you need to know. I have also separated genuine discounts and concessions from grants and other financial support, so it is clearer what you are actually applying for.
If you receive PIP, DLA or another disability-related payment, keep your latest award letter somewhere safe. Several schemes accept these as evidence, although receiving a particular benefit does not automatically qualify you for every discount.
Save or bookmark this guide and come back to it. Prices, eligibility rules and individual offers can change, so it is worth checking again even if you have looked before.
Disability Discount and Access Cards
Several disability cards are available in the UK, but they do different jobs.
Some help you communicate or prove your access requirements. Others provide access to commercial discounts and concessions.
Most importantly, do not assume that a card with “national” in its name is a government-issued disability ID card or that every business has to accept it.
National Disability Card
The National Disability Card, sometimes called the DID Card, is a privately operated disability identification and discount scheme.
The card can provide a convenient way to show that you are disabled without repeatedly explaining your condition. It can also give access to participating discounts and concessions.
You need to provide evidence of disability when applying. Accepted evidence includes documents such as PIP or DLA award letters, although other forms of evidence can also be accepted.
The important thing to remember is that the National Disability Card is not a government-issued national disability ID.
Businesses and venues choose whether to accept it and what concession they provide. Therefore, if you are considering paying for the card because of one particular attraction or discount, check that organisation first.
Access Card
The Access Card has a different purpose. It translates your access requirements into symbols that venues and ticketing organisations can understand.
For example, symbols can indicate that you have difficulty standing, need level access or require substantial support from another person.
It currently costs £15 for three years.
The +1 symbol is particularly useful because it identifies an evidenced need for substantial support from another person.
You apply by providing information and supporting evidence about the barriers you experience.
The card is recognised by many events, attractions and venues. However, it does not automatically guarantee a particular adjustment or free companion ticket everywhere.
Before paying for one, also check whether a venue you regularly use provides its own free Digital Access Pass through the same system.
Cinema Discounts and the CEA Card
If you need someone to accompany you to the cinema because of your disability, the CEA Card could pay for itself very quickly.
The card currently costs £6.50 for one year and allows an eligible disabled cinema guest to obtain one complimentary ticket for someone accompanying them at participating cinemas.
Around 90% of UK cinemas participate.
You must be aged five or over and need someone to accompany you because of the effects of your disability.
Accepted evidence includes qualifying:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Attendance Allowance
Adult or Child Disability Payment
Pension Age Disability Payment
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Sight impairment registration
You will need to provide evidence of eligibility and a photograph when applying.
If you do not receive one of the listed payments but still need someone to accompany you because of your disability, you can ask for your application to be considered individually.
Importantly, a Blue Badge, Disabled Persons Railcard or another disability card is not automatically accepted as evidence for the CEA Card.
If you regularly go to the cinema, this is definitely one to check.
Disability Travel Discounts and Concessions
Travel is one of the biggest areas where disability-related concessions can reduce regular costs.
However, the schemes available depend on how you travel and where in the UK you live.
Disabled Persons Railcard
The Disabled Persons Railcard gives eligible customers one-third off most qualifying rail fares.
One adult travelling with you can also receive one-third off their fare.
It currently costs £20 for one year or £54 for three years.
Eligibility was expanded in March 2026, so it is worth checking again even if you did not qualify previously.
For example, Blue Badge holders and people with an eligible Disabled Person’s Bus Pass or London Disabled Persons Freedom Pass can now qualify, alongside people meeting the other eligibility criteria.
You need to provide evidence showing that you meet one of the qualifying criteria when you apply.
The eligibility list is specific, so having a disability does not automatically mean you qualify.
National Express Disabled Coachcard
If you regularly travel by coach, the National Express Disabled Coachcard is another option.
It currently costs £30, plus £3 postage and packaging when bought online or by phone.
It gives you one-third off Standard and Fully Flexible fares and can be used at peak times, weekends and bank holidays.
The card lasts for one year.
Some fares and services are excluded, and the Coachcard discount cannot normally be combined with another National Express offer or promotion.
Therefore, compare the likely saving with the cost of the card before buying it.
Disabled Bus Passes in England
Eligible disabled residents in England can apply through their local council for a disabled person’s bus pass.
The national entitlement currently provides free eligible bus travel from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays, plus all day at weekends and on bank holidays.
Some councils provide additional concessions, including earlier travel.
A national change has already been announced. From 1 April 2027, the Government plans to remove the weekday time restriction for eligible disabled pass holders in England.
Until then, check your local council because its arrangements may be more generous than the national minimum.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scotland operates its own National Entitlement Card system, with free bus travel for eligible disabled residents and companion entitlement for some cardholders.
Eligible disabled residents in Wales can apply for a Disabled Person’s Concessionary Travel Card. Companion cards are also available where the eligibility requirements are met.
Northern Ireland has several disability-related SmartPass schemes, with the concession depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Because travel concessions differ across the UK, always check the current rules for where you live.
Free Carer and Companion Tickets
One of the easiest savings to miss is a free essential-companion ticket.
Many attractions and venues allow someone supporting an eligible disabled visitor to enter free.
You may see these described as:
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carer tickets
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companion tickets
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essential companion tickets
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personal assistant tickets
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+1 tickets
The accompanying person does not necessarily have to be a professional or registered carer.
National Trust
If you need a carer or essential companion to accompany you as a disabled visitor, the National Trust allows you to book their ticket free of charge.
The National Trust also has an Essential Companion card that can make regular visits simpler.
English Heritage
English Heritage also provides free admission for an assisting companion of a disabled visitor.
Always Check Before Buying Two Tickets
Other attractions and entertainment venues have their own companion-ticket policies and evidence requirements.
Before paying for two admission tickets, search the venue’s website for terms such as “essential companion”, “carer ticket”, “accessibility” or “personal assistant”.
That quick check could save the entire cost of a second ticket.
Discounts for Families with Disabled Children
Families with disabled children and young people may have access to additional savings that are easy to overlook.
Max Card
The Max Card provides free or discounted admission at participating attractions across the UK.
It is available through participating local authorities, charities and other approved organisations for eligible families of children with SEND or disabilities.
However, you cannot simply buy a Max Card directly from the national scheme.
You need to obtain one through an approved local distributor, and availability can depend on where you live.
Check the Max Card distributor directory or ask your local council, SEND service, parent-carer organisation or relevant charity.
Offers also vary between attractions, so check the participating venue and its current terms before travelling.
Purpl Disability Discounts
Purpl is one of the disability discount schemes particularly worth knowing about because it covers everyday spending as well as occasional purchases.
It is available to UK residents who are disabled or have a long-term health condition with a substantial and lasting impact on daily life. Parents and carers can also join using the disabled person’s evidence, with their permission.
Purpl currently offers discounts and special offers from more than 350 brands across areas including:
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food shopping
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everyday essentials
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utilities
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travel and holidays
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fashion and footwear
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technology
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health and wellbeing
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homeware
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days out and entertainment
You can view participating brands before paying for membership, which I would recommend doing.
How Much Does Purpl Cost?
Purpl currently costs £12 when paid annually or £2 per month on its flexible monthly membership.
A digital Purpl membership card is included and is needed for participating in-store offers.
What Evidence Do You Need?
You need to verify your eligibility when joining.
Accepted evidence can include:
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PIP award letter
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DLA award letter
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Adult Disability Payment
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Child Disability Payment
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Blue Badge
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Disabled Persons Railcard
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disabled bus pass
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Access Card
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DID/National Disability Card
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NHS diagnosis letter
If you do not have one of Purpl’s accepted documents, there is also a confirmation form that can be completed by a GP or another health professional.
Morrisons Disability Discount
One of Purpl’s most useful everyday offers is its partnership with Morrisons.
Purpl members can currently get 10% off eligible Morrisons online grocery shopping when spending at least £25.
The offer applies to Morrisons online delivery and Click & Collect rather than simply showing your Purpl card at a supermarket checkout.
It can also be used alongside the Morrisons More Card, which means you can still access eligible More Card prices and collect points.
This is exactly why it is worth checking the restrictions before relying on a disability discount. An offer may be advertised as a supermarket discount but still have minimum-spend, online-only or other conditions.
Retailers and individual offers can change, so check the current Purpl terms before shopping.
Is Purpl Worth Paying For?
That depends on where you already spend your money.
Before joining, look through the current participating retailers and identify the discounts you would genuinely use.
If a supermarket, utility provider, travel company or retailer you already use is included, you could recover the membership cost quickly.
However, do not buy something purely because Purpl gives you a discount.
Compare the final price with sales, cashback, voucher codes, loyalty offers and any other discounts you already have. Where the terms allow it, you may also be able to combine savings.
What About Blue Light Card?
Blue Light Card is sometimes included in online lists of disability discounts, but there is an important distinction.
Being disabled does not, by itself, make you eligible for Blue Light Card.
Eligibility comes through qualifying employment, volunteering or retirement from eligible organisations and sectors.
Therefore, a disabled person may qualify for Blue Light Card, but their disability is not what gives them eligibility.
If you qualify through your work or another eligible role, it is still worth checking because the card provides shopping, food, travel and leisure discounts.
Just treat it as a separate eligibility-based discount scheme rather than a disability discount card.
VAT Relief on Disability-Related Purchases
This is one of the potentially biggest savings in the guide.
If you are disabled or have a qualifying long-term illness, you may not have to pay VAT on certain products designed or adapted for your personal or domestic use.
Qualifying products and services can include certain:
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adjustable beds
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stairlifts
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wheelchairs
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medical appliances
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alarms
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low-vision aids
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disability-related building adaptations
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adapted vehicles
Installation, repairs, maintenance and certain accessories can also qualify.
You do not have to receive PIP or DLA simply to qualify for disability VAT relief.
Instead, both your circumstances and the product or service must meet the VAT rules.
You will normally need to confirm your eligibility in writing to the supplier.
Ordinary everyday products do not become VAT-free simply because a disabled person uses them.
If you are buying an expensive disability-related product or paying for an adaptation, always ask about VAT relief before you pay.
Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction
If your home has additional space or facilities that are essential because someone living there is disabled, check the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme.
You may qualify if your home has:
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an additional bathroom or kitchen needed by the disabled resident
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another room needed mainly to meet the disabled resident’s needs
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additional indoor space required for wheelchair use
If you qualify, your Council Tax bill is normally calculated using the band immediately below your property’s actual band.
For example, someone living in a Band D property would pay the Band C rate.
If your home is already in Band A, the current scheme provides a 17% reduction instead.
The disabled resident can be an adult or a child and does not have to be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax.
You do not necessarily need to receive PIP, DLA or another disability benefit to qualify. The important factor is whether your home meets the scheme’s disability-related requirements.
You need to apply through your local council.
Vehicle Tax, Blue Badge and Motoring Savings
If disability affects your mobility, there are several motoring concessions worth checking.
Vehicle Tax Exemption
You can qualify for a 100% vehicle-tax exemption for one vehicle if you receive certain qualifying mobility payments.
These include:
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higher-rate mobility component of DLA
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enhanced-rate mobility component of PIP
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enhanced-rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment
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higher-rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
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War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
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Armed Forces Independence Payment
The vehicle must be registered appropriately and used for the disabled person’s personal needs.
50% Vehicle Tax Reduction
A separate 50% vehicle-tax reduction is available if you receive the standard-rate mobility component of PIP or Adult Disability Payment.
The lower-rate mobility component of DLA does not qualify for this 50% reduction.
This is a good example of why the exact disability payment and rate you receive matters.
Blue Badge
The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for eligible disabled people.
However, a Blue Badge does not mean that every car park is free. Local authorities and private car parks can have different rules, so always check the signs.
Motability
If you receive a qualifying mobility allowance, you may also be eligible for the Motability Scheme.
It allows eligible customers to exchange some or all of their qualifying mobility allowance to lease a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
Motability is not a free-car scheme. Some vehicles also require an Advance Payment.
Compare the arrangement with your own transport costs before deciding whether it is right for you.
50% TV Licence Discount for Registered Blind People
If you are registered blind or severely sight impaired, you can get 50% off the cost of your TV Licence.
The concession can also apply if you live with someone who is registered blind or severely sight impaired.
However, the TV Licence needs to be in the registered blind person’s name. If it is currently in another household member’s name, it can be transferred.
You will need appropriate evidence, such as a certificate from your local council or ophthalmologist confirming the registration.
This is another saving that will not necessarily be applied automatically, so check it if someone in your household qualifies.
Other Disability-Related Household Support
Not everything that could reduce your costs is technically a disability discount.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also find:
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help with eligible home adaptations
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energy or utility support
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water-company schemes
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local-authority assistance
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support connected with additional disability-related household costs
Some of these are grants or financial-support schemes rather than discounts or concessions.
I have deliberately kept that distinction clear because the eligibility rules can be very different.
However, they are still worth investigating if disability increases your household costs.
Check directly with your council, energy supplier and water company because some support depends on where you live or which company supplies you.
I will cover these areas separately in more detail, while keeping this main guide as your starting point for finding disability-related savings.
Check Your Local Council for Extra Concessions
National schemes are only part of what may be available.
Local authorities can provide additional disability-related concessions, and these vary considerably across the UK.
Depending on where you live, you might find:
discounted leisure-centre membership
cheaper or free swimming
community transport
enhanced travel concessions
companion travel
parking schemes
SEND family schemes
local attraction discounts
support with eligible home adaptations
Search your council website for terms such as “disabled concessions”, “disability discounts”, “disabled travel”, “leisure concessions”, “SEND discounts” and “carer discounts”.
If you cannot find a clear list, contact the council and ask what concessions are currently available to disabled residents.
Your postcode really can make a difference, so do not assume that a national guide contains everything available locally.
Which Disability Discounts Should You Check First?
With several cards and memberships available, it can be tempting to apply for everything.
I wouldn’t.
Start with the free concessions and potentially larger savings first.
Check whether you qualify for:
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Free or discounted local travel
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Council Tax Disabled Band Reduction
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Vehicle-tax exemption or reduction
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VAT relief
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Free companion tickets
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Local council concessions
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The 50% TV Licence discount, if relevant
Then look at paid cards and memberships based on what you actually use.
If you regularly need someone with you at the cinema, the CEA Card could quickly pay for itself.
If you use trains frequently, check the Disabled Persons Railcard.
If you regularly visit venues that recognise Access Card requirements, consider whether an Access Card would be useful.
If you spend regularly with retailers available through Purpl, particularly if you could use an everyday offer such as the Morrisons discount, compare your likely savings with the membership cost.
For any paid scheme, check the participating businesses before joining. A long list of discounts has little value if you do not normally shop with those companies.
Finally, keep your eligibility evidence somewhere secure and easy to find. Different schemes request different documents, so having your PIP or DLA award letter, Blue Badge details or other relevant evidence organised can make applications much easier.
And remember to bookmark this guide. Disability discounts, concessions, participating retailers and eligibility rules can change, so it is worth coming back to check what is available.
There are more UK disability discounts and money-saving schemes available than many people realise. The difficult part is often knowing they exist in the first place.
Some of the biggest savings may come from things you only apply for once, such as Council Tax reductions, travel concessions or vehicle tax help. Others, including companion tickets and disability discount schemes, can keep saving you money throughout the year.
However, always check the current eligibility rules before applying or paying for a membership. Receiving PIP, DLA or another disability-related benefit can help with eligibility for some schemes, but it does not automatically qualify you for everything.
I will continue to review this guide as schemes, discounts and eligibility rules change, so bookmark it and come back when you need it.
If you know someone who could benefit from these savings, please share this post with them. They may discover a discount or concession they did not know they could claim.
There can be a lot to check when looking at disability discounts, particularly because every scheme has its own eligibility rules. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have after reading this guide.
Do you automatically get disability discounts if you receive PIP?
No. PIP can be accepted as evidence for some disability discounts and schemes, but each organisation sets its own eligibility requirements. Always check the individual scheme.
Can I get disability discounts if I don’t receive PIP or DLA?
Yes. Some schemes accept other evidence of disability or a long-term health condition. Others have eligibility rules that do not depend on receiving disability benefits at all.
Is the National Disability Card an official government disability ID card?
No. It is a privately operated disability identification and discount scheme. Individual businesses and venues decide whether they accept it and what concessions they provide.
Is Purpl only for people receiving PIP?
No. Purpl accepts several forms of evidence. These can include PIP or DLA documentation, a Blue Badge, Disabled Persons Railcard, Access Card and other qualifying evidence.
Can I get a free ticket for my carer or companion?
Many cinemas, attractions and venues provide free essential-companion tickets for eligible disabled visitors. However, eligibility and evidence requirements vary between organisations.
Are disability discounts always cheaper?
Not necessarily. Compare the discounted price with sales, cashback, voucher codes, loyalty schemes and other offers before buying.
Can disability discounts be combined with other offers?
Sometimes. Some retailer offers can work alongside loyalty schemes, while others specifically exclude additional promotions. Check the terms of each offer before relying on combined savings.
Do supermarkets offer disability discounts?
There is no universal UK supermarket disability discount. However, individual partnerships can provide savings. For example, eligible Purpl members can currently access a Morrisons online grocery discount, subject to the offer’s current minimum spend and other terms.
These websites are useful for checking current eligibility, evidence requirements and individual offers before applying. Because schemes and discounts can change, I recommend checking the relevant website before paying, booking or travelling.
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GOV.UK: Financial help if you’re disabled: Check current information about disability-related financial help, VAT relief, Council Tax reductions, vehicle tax and transport support.
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Purpl: Check current disability discounts, participating retailers, eligibility requirements and individual offer restrictions.
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National Disability Card: Check current card costs, accepted evidence and available discounts and concessions.
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Access Card: Check eligibility, access symbols, evidence requirements and participating venues.
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CEA Card: Check eligibility for companion cinema tickets and participating cinemas.
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Disabled Persons Railcard – Check current eligibility, prices and rail discounts.
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National Express Disabled Coachcard: Check current Coachcard prices, terms and eligible fares.
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National Trust: Accessibility: Find information about accessibility and free companion admission.
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Max Card: Check participating attractions and find organisations that distribute Max Cards
Found something useful here?
Please share this guide with friends, family or anyone who might be missing out on disability discounts and concessions. You can also save or bookmark it so you can check back when you need it.
Sharing useful money-saving information helps more people find savings they may not have known were available.
And if you share it on social media, tag Miss Money Saver and use #MissMoneySaver so I can see it too.
Have you found a disability discount, concession or money-saving scheme that I haven’t included? Let me know in the comments. It could help another reader save money too.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small fee if you sign up for some of the products or services recommended, at no extra cost to yourself.
8 Comments
Margaret Gallagher
22 September 2026 at 11:30 AM -Apparently I can apply via my GP – tried for pip many years ago but got refused – the stress prevented me MR –
Miss Money Saver
22 September 2026 at 11:09 PM -I’m sorry you had such a stressful experience with it, Margaret. It may be worth looking into PIP again, as the application process and your circumstances may be different now. I hope the information in the post helps make it a little easier to know where to start.
Gaynor mcewan
24 September 2026 at 4:25 PM -Some really good advice
Miss Money Saver
24 September 2026 at 10:49 PM -Thank you, Gaynor I’m glad you found it useful. There are so many discounts and schemes that can easily be missed, and even a few small savings can add up.
James Travis
27 September 2026 at 8:03 PM -Some really great advice, thanks for sharing
Miss Money Saver
27 September 2026 at 10:04 PM -Thanks again, James It’s lovely to know you’re finding the information useful. Hopefully you’ve spotted a scheme or discount in there that you hadn’t come across before.
Kirsteen Mackay
28 September 2026 at 12:26 PM -Such a helpful article! I had no idea about some of these disability discounts, especially the cinema admission and companion tickets. Going to look into the CEA Card straight away. Thank you for putting this together – it makes such a difference knowing where to look.
Miss Money Saver
28 September 2026 at 12:30 PM -Thank you, Kirsteen I’m really pleased the post helped you discover a few discounts you hadn’t come across before. The cinema and companion ticket schemes can be particularly useful. Please share the post with anyone who might benefit from it, and make sure you sign up to my newsletter for more money-saving tips and finds.