A Blue Badge lets you park in special parking spaces for disabled people. You can also park for free at on-street parking meters and in Pay and Display bays.
- You get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and score at least 8 points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component because you can’t walk more than 50 metres OR score 10 points under the 'planning and following a journey' activity (if you score other amounts you may still be able to receive a blue badge, but it is not automatic).
- You are under 16 and get the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- You get the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement or a payment from the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (tariffs 1-8) and have a permanent disability that makes it hard for you to walk.
- You are registered blind or care for a child over 2 years old who is blind.
You might also be able to get a Blue Badge if:
- You have difficulty walking or getting to places because of physical disabilities (such as pain or breathlessness) or mental health problems (such as stress or anxiety).
- You can’t walk without help or mobility aids.
- You have a life-limiting illness and an SR1 form.
- You have severe disabilities in both arms that make it hard for you to use parking machines.
- You care for a child over 2 years old who has trouble walking or getting to places due to physical or mental health problems.
- You care for a child under 3 years old who needs to stay close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment.
You can apply online or by post.
You will need:
- ID (like a passport or driver’s licence).
- Proof of address (such as a council tax bill or letter from DWP).
- National Insurance number (if you have one).
- Your contact details (phone number, address).
- Proof of benefits (like PIP or DLA).
- Proof of your medication or treatment (prescriptions, diagnosis letters or patient summary).
- Answers to questions about your condition.
- A decision is usually made within 12 weeks.
- You might be asked to have a mobility assessment with a health professional.
- The council might ask you for more information.
- If your application is refused, you can ask the council to look at it again. You have 4 weeks to do this.
- If your application is approved, you may need to pay up to £10 in England or £20 in Scotland for your badge. In Wales, it’s free.
- A Blue Badge lasts for 3 years. You need to reapply to renew before it runs out.
Age UK
- Service:Â Provide an advice line for older people.
- Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/blue-badge/
- Phone: 0800 678 1602
- Open seven days a week all year round.
- From 8.00am to 7.oopm.
Scope
- Service:Â Advice and support for people with disabilities and their families.
- Website:Â https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/blue-badge/
- Phone: 0808 800 3333
- Email: [email protected]
Citizens Advice
- Service: General advice.
- Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/help-for-disabled-travellers1/blue-badge-scheme/applying-for-a-blue-badge/
If you are having difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open:
- Monday to Friday
- From 10.00am to 4.30pm
- Closed on Bank Holidays
