Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Sky Social Care Card?
The Blue Sky Social Care Card is a recognition and benefits card designed to support and celebrate people working in, or connected to, the social care sector.
Members can access discounts, offers and benefits from participating businesses, both online and in-store, while being recognised for the vital contribution they make to social care.
Who can apply for a Blue Sky Social Care Card?
The card is available to anyone who meets our eligibility criteria, including:
- Paid carers, support workers and Personal Assistants
- Care agency and care home workers
- Social workers and social care professionals
- Self-employed carers and Personal Assistants
- Direct Payment and Personal Budget employers
- Unpaid carers and volunteers
- Foster carers
- Housing association workers
- Voluntary and community sector workers
- People providing services that support social care
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact us and our team will be happy to help.
Is the Blue Sky Social Care Card only for care workers?
No. The Blue Sky Social Care Card is designed to recognise the wider social care community.
This includes people who provide care and support directly, as well as those who support the delivery of social care services. Plus, unpaid carers, family carers and volunteers.
How much does the card cost?
Membership is:
- £5 for 1 year
- £15 for 3 years
Membership fees help us continue developing the card, growing our discount network and providing recognition for the social care workforce.
Does my membership automatically renew?
No. Blue Sky Social Care Card memberships do not automatically renew.
When your membership expires, you can choose to purchase a new membership if you would like to continue accessing the benefits.
How do I apply for a Blue Sky Social Care Card?
You can apply through our website by completing the online application form.
You will need to provide your personal details and may be asked to provide evidence to confirm your eligibility.
What evidence might I need to provide?
- Contract of employment
- Payslip
- PIP
- Disability allowance
- Carer’s allowance
- Employer’s note
- Doctor’s note
- Note: unpaid carers can use evidence from the person they care for (PIP etc.)
Evidence needs to be dated within 3 months, exceptions apply
If you are self employed, you can provide:
- Public liability insurance
- An invoice without client details
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
How long does it take to receive my card?
Once your application has been approved and your card has been produced, it will be posted to the address provided during your application.
Delivery times may vary depending on postal services.
Can I apply if I am an unpaid carer?
Yes. Unpaid carers and volunteers who support someone or contribute to the care sector may be eligible for a Blue Sky Social Care Card.
Can employers purchase cards for their staff?
Yes. Employers can purchase Blue Sky Social Care Cards for their teams as part of their staff recognition and wellbeing offer.
Providing the card is a simple way to show appreciation, support retention and recognise the contribution of your workforce.
Where can I use my Blue Sky Social Care Card?
The Blue Sky Social Care Card can be used with participating businesses offering discounts and benefits.
Our network continues to grow, and you can view current offers and participating businesses through our app.
Is the card accepted in the same places as an NHS discount card?
The Blue Sky Social Care Card is recognised alongside NHS and wider health and care workforce recognition schemes by many participating businesses.
However, discounts and acceptance remain at the discretion of each individual business or location.
What happens if a business does not accept my card?
If a business does not accept your card, please speak with a member of staff first.
If the issue cannot be resolved, please contact us so we can look into it with the business.
Can someone else use my card?
No. Your Blue Sky Social Care Card is personal to you and must not be shared with another person.
Sharing your card may result in your membership being suspended or cancelled.
What should I do if I lose my card?
Please contact us as soon as possible if your card is lost or stolen.
A replacement card can be issued for a small administration fee.
My card arrived damaged. What should I do?
Please contact us within 7 days of receiving your card and we will arrange a replacement free of charge.
I entered the wrong information when applying. Can this be changed?
Yes. Please contact us as soon as possible.
If a replacement card is required due to incorrect information provided during your application, a reprint charge may apply.
Why should we provide Blue Sky Social Care Cards to our staff?
The card is a simple and meaningful way to recognise your team and show appreciation for the important work they do.
Benefits include:
- Supporting staff wellbeing
- Providing access to discounts and offers
- Demonstrating recognition of your workforce
- Supporting recruitment and retention
How can employers purchase cards for their team?
Employers can purchase cards in bulk for their workforce.
Please contact our team to discuss employer packages and options.