Eligibility

The UK Cinema Association (UKCA) and its members recognise that the effects of someone’s disability might make it difficult or impossible to attend the cinema without being accompanied which is why the CEA Card scheme has been developed. However, having a Card is not mandatory and being accompanied may not address all of the effects of a disability. Cinemas should continue to make reasonable adjustments for their disabled guests irrespective of whether or not they hold a Card.

Applying for a Card is straightforward. To be eligible, you must:

  • be 5 years of age or older; and
  • have a need to be accompanied in cinemas because of the effect of your disability.

If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must complete the application on your behalf. Someone else can help you with your application if you wish regardless of your age and the CEA Card staff are able to help with the process if that would be useful. Please contact us for details.

There are three different routes you can use when applying for a Card. Specifically, a disabled person, or someone else who is helping with their application, can:

  1. either upload or send us evidence that the disabled person receives one of the following payments:
    • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
    • Attendance Allowance (AA)
    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
    • Adult / Child Disability Payment (ADP / CDP in Scotland)
    • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
  2. or upload or send evidence that the disabled person holds:
    • Severely Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Registered Blind)
    • Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Partially Sighted)
  3. or if the disabled person:
    • does not receive one of the listed payments and is not registered as sight impaired; or
    • cannot find the supporting paperwork;
    And the effects of their disability mean they have a need for someone to accompany them when going to the cinema, then they or the person helping them with the application should contact us to say so and we will advise on what further information, if any, we will need to consider their circumstances and process the application.

Note. The Blue Badge scheme, Disabled Persons’ Railcard or being in receipt of Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance scheme are not accepted as proof of eligibility for a CEA Card.

Apply or renew now