Carers Card UK benefits

booklover500

Has anyone signed up for the Carers Card UK ?

Their website doesn't specify where you are able to get discounts from and how widely accepted it is to get discounts in person and online.

I already have Blue Light Card for my paid care work but I wondered if it is also worth me getting the carers Card as I am a carer for my grandmother.

Thank you very much for any advice

Carers Card UK - Our National Carer ID Card

Newcad

From the FAQ -

"Do I have to provide any documentation?"

Answer: No.

In other words just send us your £8 for something that is not officially recognised.

To me that says all you need to know about such schemes.

elsien

Plus no pre-purchase information at all on the alleged hundreds of discounts that you may or may not get. 

I do like a bit of transparency before I fork any money out.

Spoonie_Turtle

Newcad said:

From the FAQ -

"Do I have to provide any documentation?"

Answer: No.

In other words just send us your £8 for something that is not officially recognised.

To me that says all you need to know about such schemes.

That in itself is not a huge red flag for me, since most official evidence would rely on the cared-for person receiving the appropriate award of a disability benefit (we know how difficult that can be, and how high the threshold is - plenty of people who truly don't qualify still do require care) and the carer not earning above a certain threshold.  Other forms of evidence might be hit and miss, such as both being registered with your GP as a carer AND them being willing to provide confirmation of that.

But if there's no real information about what discounts the card gives or where it's recognised, that's definitely a red flag for me.

Muttleythefrog

Avoid - lack of transparency on 'the perks/discounts' but I suspect they're nothing special otherwise they'd say...  and anyone can get the card... in fact you can even buy one for anyone else. I just cannot see the value of it - what organisations or businesses would use it as proof for some perk or benefit.... none that I can see.

Looks like a money making exercise to me and if they genuinely believed in their mission they would surely not pursue this method above a straightforward political campaign.

elsien

I’m trying to think of other circumstances in which it might be useful, but I am struggling a little. 

Because it’s for example, someone has an accident and was unable to speak for themselves, doctors aren’t going to be asking for a carer’s  card they are going to be asking for a power-of-attorney as a starting point.

Or if you’re wanting cheap access to the cinema, they are going to be asking for the CEA card or proof of benefits.

For example. 

I’m going to be charitable, and presume it was initially for people who did want some sort of recognition of their role. I’m just struggling to see many circumstances in which it would be of any use.

booklover500

Thank you all so much for your advice and comments - I think I will give the card a miss then!

chrisw

I signed up for Discounts for carers which is free and needs no validation. It's part of a larger group of Discounts for... eg teachers. The discounts look ok on the face of it eg 15% off fragrance shop, 40% off AA, but the Blue Light card probably trumps them all.

elsien

Completely off topic but I am still miffed I don't qualify for the blue light card as although a front line worker who worked throughout covid going into care homes and hospitals, I'm not directly employed by a care home, the NHS or a local authority and my job title/employer doesn't fit any of their labels or recognised organisations although my job is a statutory requirement. 

Indie_Kid

When I've been out with friends and need a carer ticket, I'm the one asked for evidence. I've never known my friends to be asked for proof that they're my carer 

Albermarle

booklover500 said:

Thank you all so much for your advice and comments - I think I will give the card a miss then!

Numerous cards, members clubs etc. offer discounts on many things . In fact there are so many it is not possible to monitor them all. For example.
Both my credit cards have discount schemes with various retailers, holiday providers etc.
My Car dealer/garage has a link with some other discount scheme .
My previous house insurer did the same.
Etc