How to Get a Blue Badge

If you live in the UK and have severe mobility problems, the Blue Badge scheme can help you access products and services by allowing you to park closer to your destination in free, on-street parking spaces. You can use the Blue Badge if you're a driver or a passenger. You can also get a Blue Badge if you have a child with severe mobility issues. Blue Badges are issued by your local council or you can apply online. [1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Qualifying for a Blue Badge

  1. People with certain disabilities and severe mobility issues automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. If you automatically qualify, the application process is shorter than it is for other people. You are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you (or your child) is over 2 years old and at least one of the following is true: [2]
    • You receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance;
    • You receive a Personal Independence Payment because you are unable to walk more than 5 meters without assistance;
    • You are registered blind;
    • You receive a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement; or
    • You received a lump-sum benefit from the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial mobility impairment.
  2. You may qualify for a Blue Badge if you are unable to walk or can't walk very far unassisted without experiencing physical pain or other difficulty, such as breathlessness. You can't qualify on the basis of having any particular diagnosis or disability. The impairment of your ability to walk is the most important factor in determining your eligibility. [3]
    • To show that your disability is "permanent and substantial," you must be able to provide medical documentation that your disability is expected to last for the rest of your life and will either worsen or will not improve.

    Tip: Conditions such as asthma may also qualify under this criteria if your condition permanently and substantially decreases your mobility.

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  3. Even if your mobility is not substantially affected, you may be able to get a Blue Badge if both of your arms are severely disabled. Most drivers with a severe disability in both arms use assisted steering to drive. However, it isn't necessary to use assisted steering to qualify. However, you must be able to show all of the following: [4]
    • You drive a vehicle regularly;
    • You have a severe disability in both arms; and
    • You are unable to operate, or have difficulty operating, typical on-street parking meters.
  4. If you are the parent of a child under 3 with a severe medical condition, you may also qualify for a Blue Badge. Only the parent or legal guardian of a child can apply. The child must: [5]
    • Require bulky medical equipment, such as a ventilator or a suction machine, at all times; and
    • Need to be kept near the vehicle at all times for treatment or emergency transportation.

    Tip: Children with highly unstable medical conditions, such as severe epilepsy, highly unstable diabetes, or terminal illnesses are typically among those who qualify for Blue Badges.

  5. Even if you automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, you still must provide documentation from a qualified medical professional that you have a substantial and permanent disability. In some situations, you may need letters from specialists. [6]
    • The results of a mobility assessment taken by a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist can help if you are trying to qualify on the basis of a mobility disability.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Applying for a Blue Badge

  1. In addition to medical documents that support your disability claim, you also need 2 proofs of identity, such as your passport or driving license. To prove your residency, make a copy of a utility bill or other government communication that includes your name and address. You can also use a lease or deed, however, your residency proof cannot be more than 12 months old. [7]
    • If you receive any government or disability benefits, you should also collect proof of those benefits. They can make it easier for you to get a Blue Badge and may be required if you automatically qualify for a Blue Badge.
    • You will also have to provide your National Insurance number, if you have one, on your application. If you don't know your National Insurance number, call your GP's office.
    • If you plan to apply online, you'll need to scan all of your supporting documents to attach to your online application.

    Tip: You also need a passport-sized photo of yourself or the person for whom you're getting the Blue Badge. If your application is approved, the photo will appear on the back of your badge.

  2. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a Blue Badge is to fill out the online application. If you live in England or Wales, you can get started at https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge . [8]

    Tip: You may have to pay a fee for your Blue Badge. In England and Northern Ireland, the amount of the fee is left up to each local council, but cannot be more than £10. In Scotland, the fee cannot be more than £20. Blue Badges are free in Wales.

  3. If you can't apply online, paper applications are available from your local council. You can either fill the application out in person at the local council's office or download the paper application online and mail it. If you are unable to travel to the local council, you can also call and request that a paper application be sent to you. [9]
  4. It can take a long time for the local council to make a decision on your application. When a decision is made, the council will notify you in writing. Don't expect to hear from them for at least 6 weeks. If you haven't received a decision within 6 to 8 weeks, call the council to find out the status of your application. [10]
    • The council may request additional information or require you to complete a mobility assessment. You will be notified of any additional requirements in writing. Get those completed as soon as possible to avoid any further delay.
    • If the council refuses your application, you can ask them to reconsider. You can also reapply for a Blue Badge at any time. You may want to wait until your condition worsens, or until you've gathered additional medical documentation of your disability.
    • If your application is approved, you'll receive your Blue Badge with your notice.
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      Warnings

      • Only your local council can issue Blue Badges. If any other organization offers to get you a Blue Badge, it's probably a scam.
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      • The Blue Badge scheme does not fully apply to many parts of central London, including Westminster, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and parts of the borough of Camden. [12]
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      • Blue Badges are designed for on-street parking only. Private parking lots may have different rules or concessions for handicapped parking.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge
      2. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge
      3. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge
      4. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge
      5. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge
      6. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge
      7. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
      8. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
      9. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
      1. ↑ https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/help-for-disabled-travellers1/blue-badge-scheme/applying-for-a-blue-badge/
      2. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
      3. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one/can-i-get-a-blue-badge

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