Applying For A Blue Badge

A Blue Badge helps disabled people park:

• Closer to where they want to get to.
• In special disabled parking spaces.
• For free at on-street parking meters.
• For free in pay and display bays.

You get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and:

• Score 8 points or more
  • Under ‘moving around’ of the mobility component.
  • Because you cannot walk more than 50 metres.
• Score 10 points
  • Under ‘planning and following a journey’ of the mobility component.

You get any of the following benefits:

• The higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • You are under 16.
• The War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
• The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme
  • Tariffs 1-8.
• You are registered blind or care for a child over 2 years old who is blind.

Other reasons you might qualify:

• You have trouble walking or getting places because of
  • Physical disabilities like pain or breathlessness.
  • Mental health problems like 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.
• You care for:
  • A child over 2 years old with walking or mobility difficulties.
  • A child under 3 years old who needs a vehicle for emergency treatment.

Steps to apply

• Apply online or contact your local council for a paper form.
• You may need to pay:
  • Up to £10 if you live in England.
  • Up to £20 if you live in Scotland.
  • It’s free in Wales.
  • Use a different form if you live in Northern Ireland.

What you'll need to apply

• Proof of ID
  • Passport or driver’s licence.
• Proof of address
  • Council tax bill or a letter from the DWP.
• Your National Insurance number
  • If you have one.
• Your contact details
  • Phone number and address.
• Proof of benefits
  • PIP or DLA award letters.
• Medical information
  • Prescriptions, diagnosis letters, or a patient summary.
  • Description of how your condition affects you.

After you submit your application:

• A decision is usually made within 12 weeks.
• You may be asked to attend a mobility assessment with a health professional.
• The council might ask for more information.

If you are refused:

• You can ask the council to look at your application again.
• You have 4 weeks to do this after the decision.

If you are approved:

• You might need to pay for the badge.
• The Blue Badge is valid for 3 years
  • You’ll need to reapply to renew it before it expires.

Age UK

• Service: Provide an advice line for older people.
• Phone: 0800 678 1602
  • Open seven days a week all year round.
  • From 8.00am to 7.00pm.

Scope

• Service: Advice and support for people with disabilities and their families.
• Phone: 0808 800 3333.
• Email: helpline@scope.org.uk.

Citizens Advice

• Service: General advice.
• Contact: Find your local Citizens Advice in the link above.