Frequently Asked Questions
Effective date: May 20, 2024
About the National Carers Card
How to get a National Carers Card?
Looking for how to get a carers card (UK)? No documentation is required to apply for a National Carers Card at present, but you must self-certify by declaring on the application form that you look after someone who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health condition or addiction and that they cannot cope without your support. Apply for your National Carers Card.
Who can get a National Carers Card?
Are you interested in how to prove you are a carer? Anyone, regardless of age, who cares for someone requiring assistance due to illness, frailty, disability, mental health issues, or addiction and cannot manage without support, is eligible for a National Carers Card. This encompasses family members, friends, volunteers, and professionals who provide care anywhere in the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What does the National Carers Card cost?
The National Carers Card costs £20 (including VAT). You have the choice to include an extra card for £9. Postage is £1.95 and your card will be sent to a UK address via Royal Mail. If your application is rejected you will automatically receive a full refund. If you care for someone who is a National Disability Cardholder, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your National Carers Card (£15 instead of £20).
All major debit and credit cards are accepted securely as well as Google and Apple Pay.
Which payment methods do you accept?
You can pay securely using a major debit or credit card, or using Google or Apple Pay.
How long will it take for my National Carers Card to arrive?
Your card will be sent to a UK address via Royal Mail. We process most applications within one day of receiving them, and delivery usually occurs 1-2 days after we have processed and shipped.
Can I renew my National Carers Card before it expires?
Certainly, you can apply for a new card a few weeks before its expiration to ensure uninterrupted access, especially if you have upcoming travel arrangements. The new card will be valid for two years from the expiration date of the previous card. Renew your National Carers Card.
Where can I use the National Carers Card?
View a list of venues that accept the National Carers Card as proof of eligibility for discounts and concessions. Please note that your card may also be accepted at other venues, subject to the organisation's discretion. We recommend verifying acceptance with the venue prior to your visit. We are actively engaged in expanding our network of partners, so if you wish for your organisation to offer concessions exclusively to National Carers Cardholders, please contact us.
The person I care for has a National Disability Card. Can I get a discount on my National Carers Card?
Yes! We offer an exclusive 25% off the National Carers Card when you are referred by a National Disability Card holder. The National Disability Card holder will be emailed a discount code once they have applied, entitling their carer to buy the National Carers Card for £15 instead of £20. Apply for a National Disability Card.
What if my details have changed since my last card was issued?
That’s no problem; please provide your new details during the renewal process.
I want to change the name on my card but not renew it, what should I do?
To change the name on your card, please complete the Card Replacement Form. During this process, ensure you select 'Change of Name' as the reason for replacement and use your updated name when filling in the form.
How do I replace my lost, stolen, or damaged National Carers Card?
In the event that your card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can request a replacement for just £10. The expiration date on your replacement card will align with that of the original card. Request a replacement card.
How often do I need to renew my National Carers Card?
Cards must be renewed every two years. You can find the expiry date on the front of your card. We'll send you a reminder before your current card expires with instructions on how to renew, or you can start your renewal here.
Is this a carers discount card?
The National Carers Card is primarily a form of easy to carry visual ID, which acts as proof of carer status and helps carers get help and understanding from those around them. We have listed the venues that accept the National Carers Card as proof of eligibility for special access or concessions in this section of our website, as well as special discounts from partner brands available exclusively to card holders.
About Disneyland Paris
Do carers get a discount with the Disneyland Paris Priority Card?
Carers can benefit from 25% off their Disneyland Paris ticket as long as they travel with the person they care for (who also receives the discount). The disabled individual must use their National Disability Card or other proof of eligibility to apply for a Disneyland Paris Priority Card, which grants them the discount as well as special access to shows and attractions within the park. Read more about applying for a Disneyland Paris Priority Card.
Can the person I care for get a Disneyland Paris Priority Card?
If the person you care for is disabled and has a National Disability Card, they are entitled to a Disneyland Paris Priority Card, along with the 25% off concession and special access it provides. You and the person you care for can request a Priority Card online or at the entrance to the park on arrival. Read more about applying for a Disneyland Paris Priority Card.
About Lanyards and RADAR Keys
I don’t have a National Carers Card. Can I still buy a lanyard?
Our lanyards are exclusively available to cardholders. This ensures the authenticity of the displayed messages and guarantees that only genuine carers can benefit from them.
How to get a Carers Lanyard?
If you are a National Carers Cardholder, you are eligible to purchase our Carers Lanyard or Face Covering Exempt Lanyard. Read more about lanyards.
I haven’t applied for a National Carers Card yet, but I intend to. Can I still buy a lanyard?
You can order a lanyard simultaneously while applying for your card. Just select the lanyard you need at the end of the application form. Your lanyard will be dispatched only upon successful application approval; otherwise, you will receive a full refund.
I am already a Cardholder. How can I buy a lanyard?
If you already have a National Carers Card, order the lanyard of your choice here.
Who can get a RADAR Key?
RADAR Keys are exclusively available to National Carers Card holders or National Disability Card holders through our service. This ensures that only individuals with a genuine need for access to disabled toilets can obtain them, thereby preventing misuse and vandalism.
How can I buy a RADAR Key?
To order a RADAR Key from us, you must be either a National Carers Card holder or a National Disability Card holder. Order your RADAR Key.
About Your Login
Why do I need to login to view certain discounts?
Our partner offers are intended to make the lives of disabled people easier, and can only be used by card holders. We require card holders to login to view many of our discounts in order to ensure that only those the offers are intended for can benefit from them.
How do I login?
If you are a National Carers Card holder, you can log in to view card holder discounts when prompted by using the unique card number printed on the front of your card. The number starts with 'UK-'. If you are not already a card holder, learn more and apply for your card.
Open Doors with the National Carers Card
Secure, easy to carry visual ID, designed exclusively by and for carers.
Login to my account
Login to view my account, plus access discounts exclusive to National Carers Cardholders.
