CEA Card- UK Cinema Association

Even though our local cinema (Vue) has become much cheaper in recent years, going to the cinema can be a very expensive outing. Add on top of this the need to have a carer or companion to help us get to the cinema/our seats and out again (amongst other needs) and the price can be inaccessible. Enter the CEA card.

What’s the CEA card and why do I need one for the cinema?

I’m glad you asked! Up until recently, I had no idea of the existence of the CEA let alone what it did.

The CEA card is a national card scheme for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema association that enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema.

Who can apply?

If you are 8 years or older and receive any of the following then you may be eligible:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Attendance Allowance (AA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• Severely Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Registered Blind)
• Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Partially Sighted)

How do I apply?

The easiest way to apply is via the CEA website. You’ll need a copy of the evidence (awarding letter) of the benefit you receive and a photograph of yourself (head/shoulders like in a passport photograph). There is a £6 card fee.

What happens next?

If you have any questions about the CEA card or applying for the CEA card then contact the CEA here. They were incredibly quick and helpful when I emailed them.

Once you have applied and paid for your card, then it will be sent to you in less than 7 working days and is ready to use straight away.

You can use it as many times as you want at participating cinemas (you can check which ones do this here via the CEA website).

You can also use it for cinema events such as screenings of concerts, plays and ballets. This is something I will be covering in a future post and is well worth a look.

Watching films is definitely something that brings me joy, that feeling of escapism and being fully immersed in a new world is second to none. As much as I love my laptop and TV the best place you can see a film is definitely the cinema. There’s just something about the big screen that makes the whole experience extra special. Getting a CEA card has opened a whole new way to accessible local entertainment and I am so excited to use it.

Had you heard of the CEA card before?

If relevant to you is this something you think you’d be interested in? Are there any other schemes you think I should cover? I’d love to know what you think. Let me know in the blog comments below.