Free PA and essential companion admission — Easy Read

What an essential companion does

An essential companion helps you access a visit or activity because of disability-related needs. They might be your personal assistant, a paid support worker, a friend or a relative. Explain the help you need, such as communication, personal care or moving around. Many venues offer free companion entry, but the number of tickets and conditions vary. Check the venue and the particular event.

Your rights and reasonable adjustments

Service providers must make reasonable adjustments to avoid substantial disability-related disadvantage. Free admission for an essential supporter can be a reasonable adjustment; it is not an automatic entitlement for every accompanying person. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances. Under section 20(7) of the Equality Act 2010, a venue cannot charge you its cost of a required adjustment. These duties apply independently of membership in a card scheme.

Ask before booking

Describe what support makes the visit possible and how many supporters you need. Ask how to book their tickets, whether they can stay beside you, and what evidence or registration is necessary. Check any age or support-role conditions. If the usual scheme does not meet your needs, explain why and ask about another reasonable arrangement. Get confirmation in a format you can use.

CEA Card for participating cinemas

The CEA Card provides one free companion ticket at participating cinemas. The cardholder must buy a full-price ticket for the same performance, film and auditorium, in one transaction. The companion must provide appropriate assistance. There is an application fee and eligibility rules; check the current CEA guidance. If you do not meet its listed criteria, it can consider an individual application. Ask the cinema about access support if you do not have a card.

Access Card and free venue registrations

The Access Card uses symbols to describe access needs. Its essential-companion symbol, often shown as +1, indicates a need for substantial disability-related support. Check how your chosen venue uses it; it does not guarantee free entry everywhere. The physical card has a fee. Some participating venues have a free Digital Access Pass registration instead, valid for that venue. Check free options before buying a card.

National Trust and English Heritage examples

The National Trust allows one or two companions to enter free. Its Essential Companion pass makes this easier but is optional. A visitor who is not a member still pays their own admission where charged. English Heritage offers free site entry for assisting companions of disabled visitors or members without asking for disability proof. Select an essential-companion ticket when booking. Check the chosen property and any special event arrangements.

Check costs and protect your information

Free admission does not pay your personal assistant’s wages or travel expenses. Agree remaining ticket, activity, travel and food costs when planning the outing. Evidence rules differ: ask what information is needed, why, and how to send it securely. Organisations should collect only relevant information needed for the purpose. Do not assume you must send your full medical record; ask about suitable, limited evidence.

If a request is refused

Ask the access team or manager for the reason and a practical alternative. Explain the barrier and why the suggested arrangement would not work. Keep the policy, booking details and replies. You can use the venue’s complaints process and seek discrimination advice. Consumer rights may also matter for a paid booking. The linked guides explain options; a complaint does not automatically stop a court deadline.

Can my companion enter free?

What you can do next

More useful links

Free entry for a personal assistant or companion