Who Qualifies for an Access Card and How to Apply if You are Disabled

Purpl partners with Nimbus Access Card, which is a type of access card for disabled people in the UK. The Access Card works as a photo ID for disability access. It clearly shows an individual’s access requirements so venues across the UK can quickly understand and provide the support they need. This Purpl guide will explain who qualifies for an Access card and how to apply for one.

Worth knowing, Purpl member can get 10% off an Access Card and if you aren’t a member yet, you can actually sign up to Purpl with your Access Card.

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In this Article

• What is the Point of an Access Card?
• Where is the Access Card Accepted?
• Who is Eligible for a Disability Card in the UK?
• How Much does an Access Card Cost?
• How to Apply for an Access Card?
• Receiving Your Access Card
• Is it Worth Having an Access Card
• Before You Apply for an Access Card
• How to Renew Your Access Card
• Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Point of an Access Card?

The Access Card works online with platforms like ticketing systems, to unlock the access facilities you need. This helps organisations support visitors who need extra assistance or have specific accessibility requirements. It makes their venue or service more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

The Access Card works as a photo ID and uses clear symbols to show a person’s disability or impairment. These symbols quickly highlight the barriers they face and the reasonable adjustments they may need, making easier event entry and improved accessibility at venues.

Communicating Your Access Needs

Having a way to communicate access needs in a simple, visible format makes it easier for venues to prepare and provide the right support. It also helps people with disabilities choose services and locations that meet their needs, reducing uncertainty and improving overall accessibility.

The card streamlines the process of communicating your access needs. It translates your disability or impairment into easy-to-understand symbols and serves as a recognised proof of your requirements. The card not only supports your individual needs but also contributes to a broader movement towards better accessibility for all. It replaces the need to carry around disability documentation like a PIP letter etc.

You can apply for an Access Card even if you do not claim disability benefits, keep on reading to see who qualifies for an Access Card.

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Where is the Access Card Accepted?

The Access Card team work hard to increase the number of venues that recognise the Access Card as a way to meet your accessibility needs.

For some providers, the card gives you a discount or a free carer place. For other places, it can be used as evidence to receive a free Personal Assistant (PA) ticket. In many cases, you can link your card to their booking systems or have your requests processed over the phone.

You can explore all participating providers in the Access Card directory or on their map page. Additionally, they post regular updates on their News Page and social accounts.

They also work directly with cardholders to highlight businesses where they have successfully used their Access Card. The providers are listed as Named and Famed.

It’s important to remember that the card represents your access needs and is linked to the Equality Act. All providers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments. The card can help you explain those needs, whether or not the provider officially accepts it. Failing to act on those needs may breach equality legislation.

Who is Eligible for a Disability Card in the UK?

So, who qualifies for an Access Card? To begin with, there is no fixed list of eligible disabilities. Rather, the Access Card team focuses on an individual’s specific access needs, supported by clear evidence. During the application process, you provide a range of documents to back up your disability access requirements. As a result, the team can accurately assess your needs and allocate the right access symbols.

Supporting Evidence

• Confirmation of benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Attendance Allowance.
  • The evidence must be recent and clearly show your name and address.
  • It must also display the awarded rates for the Mobility and Personal Care/Daily Living components.
  • Please note, the Access Card team cannot accept Covid Extension letters, ESA, UC, Blue Badges, appointment letters, or Christmas Bonus letters as evidence.
• A letter from a medical professional who is aware of your needs.
  • This letter must be recent, written on official surgery or organisational headed paper, and clearly state your diagnosis along with the impact your conditions have, as described in your application.
  • For conditions with variable impact, confirmation of diagnosis alone may not be enough to process your application.
• Other supporting documents such as occupational health reports, care plans, or OT assessments. These can help confirm your specific accessibility needs for events and venues.

If you are unsure what evidence to provide, you can still submit your application. The Access Card team can discuss your circumstances with you directly. They may send you a form to complete if you do not have the required documents to hand.

Submit clear evidence so the Access Card team can quickly verify your needs. This ensures your card shows your exact accessibility requirements and helps venues give the right support.

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How Much Does an Access Card Cost?

There are two different options for getting an Access Card, a free way and a paid way. These are detailed below.

How to get a Free Single Use Access Card

If you only need disability access for one venue, you can apply through that venue’s free disability registration scheme instead of completing a full Access Card application.

Once approved, you will be issued a Digital Access Pass number. You can use this number to confirm your access requirements and unlock the right support at that participating venue. Unlike the full Access Card, the free registration scheme does not provide you with a physical card.

Venues and providers that currently run a free access registration schemes are listed on the Access website and below:

• Merlin Entertainments Ride Access Pass
• The Ticket Factory
• The Ticket Quarter
• Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig
• Ambassador Theatre Group
• Delfont Mackintosh Theatre Group
• Winter Gardens Blackpool
• Birmingham Hippodrome
• KX Tickets
• BARC (British Automobile Racing Club)
• VECTIS (Blackgang / Robin Hill)
• Drayton Manor
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach
• Glastonbury
• Knowsley Safari Park
• Raiders
• Fishers Farm Park
• Musicalcon
• Norwich Theatre
• Crealy Theme Park
• Pleasurewood Hills
• PREMIER
• Raver-Tots
• Piws
• West Midland Safari Park
• The Principality Stadium

There are a further 2,000+ venues that recognise that Access Card which you can browse using this link: https://www.accesscard.online/find-a-credable-provider/

Paid Access Card

Paying for the Access Card gives you three years of access without having to reapply or repeat the process. Moreover, the Access Card is the most recognised disability card in the UK. Therefore, for disabled people who regularly attend events, attractions, and places of interest, it is definitely worth having.

In addition, if you are a Purpl member, you can get an Access Card discount code and claim 10% off the cost. Otherwise, the Access Card costs £15 and remains valid for three years.

Finally, the Access Card is also an accepted document for joining Purpl. Instead of uploading other disability evidence, you can simply use your Access Card to confirm your eligibility.

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How to Apply for an Access Card

The Access Card scheme is run by disabled people who understand the challenges of navigating events and venues. They specialise in helping others clearly communicate their disability access requirements, making it easier to get the right support.

Step 1: Upload Medical Evidence

First, provide evidence of your illness or disability, such as medical reports, doctor’s letters, or proof of disability benefits. Next, upload proof of identity, such as a driving licence or passport, along with a clear, passport-style photo that shows your face accurately.

By doing this, you confirm your needs and identity, allowing the Access Card team to ensure your disabled access card represents your specific requirements. As a result, this protects accessible features from misuse. In addition, they assess the barriers you face when visiting events and represent these with clear, easy-to-recognise symbols, making it simple for venues to understand your needs at a glance.

Step 2: Provide Information for Each Access Symbol

After that, give information for each symbol you require. The Access Card displays a set of easy-to-recognise symbols that quickly communicate your accessibility needs to event and venue staff. Because each symbol represents a specific type of support or adjustment, it becomes faster and easier for service providers to help you.

Finally, during the application, describe your needs and provide evidence for each symbol you believe is necessary to accommodate your individual access requirements.

Symbol Information

• Standing and Queuing – indicates if you need alternatives to standing for long periods or queuing.
• Level Access – shows that you require step-free entry or level pathways.
• Distances – highlights that you need closer parking or reduced walking distances.
• The WC Symbol – confirms your need for accessible toilet facilities.
• +1 Essential Companions – allows a companion or carer to accompany you without additional cost.
• Child Essential Companion Tickets – explains the allocation of the +1 symbol for children.
• Accessing Visual Information – indicates support needed for visual information, such as large print or tactile materials.
• Accessing Audible Information – highlights support for hearing, such as hearing loops or captioning.
• Anything Else – allows you to add other impacts of your impairment that affect your access to a service, flagging extra support that might not otherwise be shown on the card.

For full details on symbol allocation and how each is assessed, visit the official Access Card website.

With the Access Card, you can attend events and venues across the UK with confidence, knowing staff can instantly recognise and respond to your needs, improving accessibility wherever you go.

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Receiving Your Access Card

In your confirmation email, you can choose to upgrade to 1st Class Signed For delivery or Next Day Special Delivery.

We print cards daily and work within specific Royal Mail collection time slots. Request your postage upgrade before 11:00am, Monday to Friday, to guarantee it is printed and dispatched the same day.

If you upgrade after 11:00am, it be added to the next working day’s postage slot.

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Is it Worth Having an Access Card

The Access Card makes life easier for many disabled people in the UK. It saves having to worry about explaining your disability which can be especially challenging or frustrating for those people with hidden disabilities.

We asked Purpl members whether they had an Access Card, and to provide feedback, here’s some of the responses:

“I’ve had one for a while I think it’s worth it we go to the theatre quite often, it’s paid for itself after the first visit.”

“I feel I would need one to watch shows as they don’t accept other disability cards at a lot of theatres or venues for sporting events.”

“You can even use the Access Card in Primark if you have issues queueing.”

“I’ve only got mine about 6 weeks ago, but I’ve used it to get free plus one tickets at 3 events so far. I know I’ll definitely be using it quite often in the future.”

“The Access Card is absolutely invaluable to me as PIP is impossible and soul destroying to get, infuriatingly.”

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Quick Checklist – Before You Apply for an Access Card

• Read all guidance notes: avoid mistakes that can delay your application or result in a £5 reprint fee.
• Give detailed answers: provide enough information to help the Access Card team determine which Access Symbol you require.
• Upload clear evidence: follow the guidance on what documents they can and cannot accept.
• Pay at the end of the form: payment is optional, but skipping it will slow down your application.
• Refund guarantee: if Access Card cannot process your application, you will receive a full refund.
• Submit all requested documents: missing information will delay your application.

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How to Renew Your Access Card

You will receive renewal reminders by email starting three months before your Access Card expires. Each reminder includes a link to renew your card online.

We recommend waiting until this three-month period to renew. Renewing earlier could set your new expiry date from the renewal date, rather than extending your current expiry by three years.

When you are ready, visit our Access Card renewals page to complete the process. Be sure to confirm your current postal address so we can deliver your renewed card promptly. If needed, you can upload a new passport-style photo directly through the renewal form.

If your access needs have changed, you cannot renew online. In this case, please contact our team by email at [email protected] or call 0330 808 5108.

If you do not renew, your card will automatically expire and be removed from the system. Should you change your mind later, you will need to complete a brand-new application.

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Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who qualifies for an Access Card?

Getting an Access Card is based on an individual’s needs and not based purely on having a disability.

Can I get a free Access Card

Yes there is a free option but you will not receive a physical card and will only gain you access to a single venue. Venues offering the free registration scheme are listed in the above guide.

Why is it hard to get an Access Card

For those who require access due to their disability, and have evidence to back it up, the process is fair and easy. The process has to be thorough, for venues this means they are only giving concessions and free carer places to those people who genuinely require it.

What if my needs change?

If your needs change you can ask to be reassessed at any time. Simply email the Access Card team [email protected] with your current card number in the subject line and let them know what needs changing. Make sure to include any further evidence with the email if you’re requesting new symbols to be added. There is a £5 admin fee for a new card.

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About the Author

Georgina Colman is the founder of Purpl, the UK’s first dedicated discount platform for disabled people. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she has a deep understanding of the financial and practical challenges that come with disability. Her mission is to help the disabled community offset these extra costs through exclusive discounts, while also ensuring people are aware of the benefits and services they’re entitled to.

Passionate about creating lasting change, Georgina’s long-term vision is to launch a charitable foundation that will provide grants and additional support to those in the community who need it most. Through Purpl, she is building not just a savings platform, but a movement focused on empowerment, inclusion, and practical help for everyday life.

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Get 10% off an Access Card