Apply for a Gateway Card or Gateway Card+

The Gateway Card and Gateway Card+ are free. They give you access to community activities, play schemes and Buddy Schemes through the Short Breaks programme.

You need a Gateway Card+ to use any activities funded by the Short Breaks programme. You have to show your Gateway Card+ when booking and attending all activities.

Who can get a Gateway Card

The Gateway Card and Gateway Card+ are for children and young people who:

• have a disability and/or additional needs (supporting evidence required)
• need support to take part in leisure activities
• are between 0 and 17 years old
• live in the Hampshire County Council authority area (excludes Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight and neighbouring authorities)

To support your application for a Gateway Card you must provide at least one piece of evidence of eligibility. Please ensure that any evidence you provide includes the parent(s)/carer(s) name and address, as well as the child’s name. We will accept any of these:

• a letter showing a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis from a GP, Hospital Consultant, Diagnostic Assessment Service (i.e. CAMHS, PSICON...), Paediatrician or Health Visitor
• a letter from the child’s Teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) confirming needs impacting daily life or access to activities
• a current (in-date) award letter showing receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) the full Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• a letter from a Social Worker or Professional from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), involved with the family

To support your application for a Gateway Card+, you must provide at least one piece of evidence of eligibility. Please ensure that any evidence you provide includes the parent(s)/carer(s) name and address, as well as the child’s name. We will accept any of these:

• a letter showing a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis from a GP, Hospital Consultant, Diagnostic Assessment Service (i.e. CAMHS, PSICON...), Paediatrician or Health Visitor
• a letter from the child’s Teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) confirming needs impacting daily life or access to activities
• a current (in-date) award letter showing receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) the full Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• a referral from a social worker, proof of yellow card

Visit Evidence of eligibility to see examples of evidence that we can/cannot accept

We cannot issue you with a new Gateway Card or Gateway Card + until we have received evidence of eligibility. Evidence can be attached to your online application form or alternatively please email it to: [email protected].

If you do not have evidence of eligibility, a template has been produced for the professionals you are in contact with to complete. This can be used if you do not already have a letter confirming your child's needs.

Gateway Card Evidence form

Benefits for families

The Gateway Card and Gateway Card+ tell community activities and activity providers that your child has a disability and/or additional needs and may need extra support.

For more information on where you can use your Gateway Card, please visit the Connect to Support Hampshire Local Offer.

Choosing your Gateway Card

There are two different options depending on what you want to use your card for. Please choose only one type of card when you apply. You will need to submit the correct evidence for either card.

Gateway Card

The Gateway Card helps children and young people with additional needs or disabilities access inclusive activities and services across Hampshire. Many venues recognise the card and may offer benefits such as queue-jump access, free entry for carers, or tailored support when you visit.

Venues that accept the Gateway Card can include zoos, farms, museums, play centres, and a range of family attractions that aim to be accessible for all.

If you need a simple way to show that your child or young person has a disability or additional needs and requires support when taking part in community activities or visiting attractions, you should apply for a Gateway Card.

Please note: The Gateway Card does not provide access to Short Break–funded holiday, weekend or youth clubs, or the Buddy Scheme.

Gateway Card+

If your child or young person has a disability and needs support to attend a Hampshire County Council–funded Short Break Activity (specialist or mainstream), because you need a break from caring, you should apply for a Gateway Card+.

The Gateway Card+ provides all the same benefits as the standard Gateway Card, plus it gives eligible children and young people access to Short Break–funded activities, where extra support may be available.

Short Breaks include opportunities such as holiday clubs, weekend clubs, youth clubs, and the Buddy Scheme, helping children and young people take part in fun, supported activities while giving families valuable time and flexibility.

More about Short Breaks.

Please note: You will still be required to pay the standard cost for your child to attend the activity. The Gateway Card+ enables activity providers to apply for funding to cover any additional costs needed for your child to participate fully. 

For more information, please refer to our Charging and Concessions Policy.

Apply for a Gateway Card

All applications must be submitted online. If you do not have access to a computer, tablet or mobile device, please visit your local library where you can access one free of charge.

Applications can take up to 10 working days to process.

Apply for a Gateway Card

Gateway Card Renewals

On a yearly basis, your Gateway Card or Gateway Card+ will need renewing. You will receive an email prompting you to reapply. When you go to reapply make sure that you have your child or young person’s gateway card to hand, you will also need your mobile phone.

You can renew your card at any point from receiving the reapply email up to 42 days after the card has expired.

If you have lost your renewal email for your child’s card, you can access the card and the renewal process via your Hampshire County Council customer account. You will need to ensure that you have a customer account and that you have linked your card.

If you are experiencing any issues please contact the team via email: [email protected].

Manage a Gateway Card

You can manage your Gateway Card online by registering for a customer account. You will then be able to apply, view and renew your card online.

See our guidance on managing a Gateway Card

Lost or missing cards

If you have lost or misplaced the email that contains your digital Gateway Card please do not reapply for a new card. Contact the Short Breaks Team, who will be able to provide you with a copy of your card.

Email: [email protected]