Are you eligible for a free Carers Card?

Advice and Information - 24 July 2025

A Carer's Card is a form of identification that recognises and supports unpaid carers. It can be used to prove carer status in various settings and in emergency situations, and to access discounts.

Care for the Carers East Sussex administer the Carers Card programme locally and you can apply for free.

What are the benefits of having a Carers Card?

•    The East Sussex Carers Card is designed to be kept with you, so that in an emergency anyone helping you is made aware that someone depends on you, should you ever be unable to communicate this yourself.

•    The Carers Card enables you to set up a Carers Respite Emergency Support Service (CRESS) plan with East Sussex County Council. This includes contact details for up to three people who could provide short-term support for the person you care for in an emergency. If you do not wish to put an emergency plan in place but would still like to benefit from discounts for carers, you can still apply for the Carers Card.  

•    The Carers Card enables you to access discounts at a variety of retail and leisure venues in East Sussex. This includes reduced parking at Eastbourne District General Hospital and Conquest Hospital, Hastings. Currently this means you won’t pay more than £2 per visit - just show your carers card at the parking kiosk prior to departing to get the discount. 

For more information on this and other offers, see the East Sussex Carers Card Directory.

How can I apply for a free Carers Card?

You can apply for a free Carers Card if you live in or care for someone who lives in East Sussex. The card is also available to parent carers of children with special needs and disabilities.

Apply for your East Sussex Carers Card here

If you live outside of East Sussex, you can find your local carers’ service here.
Other Carers Card schemes are available nationally but may incur a cost.
For information about other benefits available to carers see: Caring for someone - GOV.UK

 

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If you would like help to navigate health and care services, or you wish to share your experiences of health or social care with us, you can contact our Information and Signposting service on:

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Email: enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk

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