Blue Badge Application | Applying For The Disabled Parking Permit

The Blue Badge Co Guide To Blue Badge Application

Blue Badge parking permits help disabled drivers & passengers to park nearer to where they're going. If you have a disability which affects your ability to walk, you may well be eligible for a blue badge parking permit. Read more to find out if you're likely to be eligible and about the proccess of blue badge application. Some circumstances will make you automatically eligible for a blue badge permit. You will be eligible if you are:

• in receipt of Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate for help with getting around.
• receiving level 8 of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for 'Moving Around'.
• in receipt of a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement; a benefit under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS);
• certified as having a permanent and substantial disability by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA)
• a user of a motor vehicle supplied under the mobility scheme
• registered blind.

Note: you will be asked to provide relevant documentary evidence of entitlement. You may qualify if you:

• have a permanent and substantial disability making you unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking.
• regularly drive an adapted or non-adapted vehicle AND have a severe disability in both arms. If you are also unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty operating all or some types of parking meter
• are applying for a badge on behalf of a child under the age of three years who has a specific condition that requires them to have access to medical equipment.

You do not qualify if you:

• have a psychological disorder, learning or behavioural problems. This will not normally qualify you unless the impairment causes very considerable, and not intermittent, difficulty in walking
• have a condition that is only temporary.

Where to Apply for a blue badge permit

You can apply for a blue badge online at the GOV.UK website You can also check to see if you're eligible for a blue badge permit. There is also a paper application form which you can use when applying for or renewing your badge. As the application form is modified from time to time, you may need to contact the paring department of your local council for the most up to date version. To find out more about Blue Badges from your council or to report your lost or stolen Blue Badge and get a replacement visit the gov.uk website.

How long will it take to process my application?

It is sensible to allow at least 6 weeks to apply for a new blue badge and to expect to wait 4 - 6 weeks for a renewal. All blue badge applications (new and renewals) are assessed on an individual basis against Department for Transport (DfT) guidelines. You may be asked to attend a walking assessment when you apply. Timescales can be dependant upon the availability of an assessment centre. On receipt of a blue badge permit, you should make a note of the expiry date and apply for renewal four to six weeks before the badge expires. Under normal circumstances it is not necessary to apply more than six weeks before the badge expires. However, if your current badge has a serial number ending in 'R', this indicates that the badge is reviewable. Your eligibility may need to be reassessed with a walking assessment. If this is the case, your application for renewal should be made a minimum of six weeks prior to the expiry date. It is up to you to remember to renew in plenty of time, some local authorities deal with thousands of applications every month.

How Shall I display My Blue Badge Permit?

Blue Badge Co have created a wide range of Hologram Safe® permit holders to protect, store and display the disabled parking permit. All our wallets come with a free timer clock and are made in the UK. Visit our online shop for the full range of blue badge wallets and much more! www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk