Blue Badge

Blue Badge scheme

You can apply for a Blue Badge if you:

  • receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMCDLA)
  • receive the moving around descriptor for the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with a score of 8 or more points
  • receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment with a score of 10 points specifically for Descriptor E, the “planning and following journeys” activity on the grounds undertaking any journey would cause overwhelming psychological distress
  • are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
  • receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WMPS)
  • have been awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
  • are certified as having an enduring and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking

You can also apply for a Blue Badge, subject to further assessment, if you:

  • have a severe disability in both arms, drive a vehicle regularly and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating, all or some types of parking meter or pay and display equipment
  • have an enduring and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking, which may include very considerable psychological distress
  • be at risk of serious harm when walking, or pose, when walking a risk of serious harm to any other person

You will be asked a series of questions to assess your eligibility and you may be asked to attend an assessment with an expert assessor. If your application is turned down, you can ask for this decision to be reviewed. Information about the appeals process is sent to any applicant who is refused a Blue Badge.

You will be assessed by a registered health care professional. Your GP can no longer provide an assessment, but could provide supporting evidence.

If you are applying for a Blue Badge and do not meet the criteria to automatically qualify, you must provide supporting evidence with your application form that supports what benefit would be gained from walking a reduced distance between the car and the destination and details of how frequently this occurs.

The supporting evidence can include copies of diagnosis letters and details of ongoing treatment plans, care plans, education health and care plans and SEND support plans. The supporting evidence must be dated within the last 12 months and can be provided by any of the following professionals and must be provided on headed paper and signed:

  • clinical psychologist
  • educational psychologist
  • gastroenterologist
  • neurologist
  • occupational therapist
  • physiotherapist
  • psychiatrist
  • rheumatologist

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence will be considered by other professionals involved in diagnosing or treating the conditions under which you are applying for a Blue Badge.

We have produced a form for professionals to ensure they are able to provide the relevant information to support your application for a Blue Badge, when you contact them for further evidence.

You can also provide a statement explaining in your own words how your disability affects you when walking.

Please be aware that any costs involved in obtaining evidence to support your Blue Badge application must be paid for by you and we won't reimburse them.