Blue Badge Information Please

[bowlingbun]

There are two different ways to get a blue badge. These are issued by the local authority, NOT the DWP.

1. If you qualify for the DWP Mobility Component of PIP or DLA then there is automatic entitlement - you just sent proof of the benefit to the local authority and they should immediately process the application and send you the badge within a week or two. (This is the quickest route).

2. If you are too old for the above, or don't quite qualify, then there is another route.
2. You can ask the LA for a form, and then fill it in providing the information they want, then they will consider the application and make a decision. (This will take longer, and may vary from County to County. The only way to find out what they want is to ask for the form).

[rosemary]

There are two different ways to get a blue badge. These are issued by the local authority, NOT the DWP.

1. If you qualify for the DWP Mobility Component of PIP or DLA then there is automatic entitlement - you just sent proof of the benefit to the local authority and they should immediately process the application and send you the badge within a week or two. (This is the quickest route).

Above is incorrect now. The rules are different under PiP.
This is the new rule re entitlement via the benefits route....

Who can get a Blue Badge

You’re automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you:
•are registered as blind
•get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
•get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment - check your decision letter if you’re not sure

•get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
•received a lump sum payment as part of the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to , and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability


There are other ways too, seek further advice via CAB or local council.

You can also apply online https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

x x

[bowlingbun]

That's broadly what I said, the basic principles remain the same. There is AUTOMATIC entitlement under certain circumstances, if you qualify for certain disability related benefits, which is generally understood.

However there is also a DISCRETIONARY entitlement. So if you have mobility problems which developed after 65, you cannot get a mobility component of DLA/PIP but you can still use what I'll call the "Discretionary route". This route is less well known.

[Albert_1604]

You will also need a passport type photograph of the applicant.

If they find difficulty in getting to a passport photo booth take a digital photo
of their face. You can then download it to web sites that will then
print it out for you as a passport photo. Google to find them.

[bowlingbun]

Rosemary and I have had some discussions.

I hadn't realised that you can now have the highest mobility component because you need help to get from A to B, but can't have a Blue Badge or a Motability car. Clearly someone in power doesn't understand the implications of a mental disability.

[colin_1703]

In some Counties now, they have brought in a Temporary category for eligibility.

Say for example someone has had a Stroke of which there are many different degrees of severity. You can apply for a blue badge, and you need a statement from a medical person to certify your level of disability.

[colin_1703]

PS. Go to your library and ask for the latest version of the application form.

Some DWP benefits give you an automatic right to a blue badge.

Or look at your County or City web site. which will be in the format eg www.liverpool.gov.uk or

www.lancashire.gov.uk