Drivers and passengers automatically eligible for a Blue Badge - full list
The Blue Badge scheme helps people with certain disabilities or health conditions to park closer to the places they want to go - a list has been released showing who can automatically apply
If you're living with a physical disability or health condition that impacts your ability to walk safely, or if you have a hidden condition such as dementia or Parkinson's, you might be eligible for a Blue Badge.
This badge can help you park closer to your destinations. A Blue Badge holder, whether they're the driver or a passenger, can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions.
In many instances, people will automatically qualify for the £20 parking permit. It's estimated that around 3.2 million individuals across the UK benefit from this scheme.
This includes those receiving the higher level of the mobility rate for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), reports the Daily Record.
However, the Scottish Government has released a comprehensive list of circumstances under which individuals with walking difficulties or parents caring for a disabled child could qualify for a Blue Badge.
You can apply for a Blue Badge online, but the guidance suggests that individuals with a mental condition should contact their local council directly.
The guidance states: "If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form."
The guidance also suggests that those who do not automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme may need to undergo a mobility assessment and meet with a healthcare professional.
It's worth bearing in mind that there is no fixed processing time for new applications or Blue Badge renewals, but it can take around 12 weeks - though it usually takes about 10 working days. Your local council handles Blue Badge applications and sets the price - they will also be able to advise on how long it might take.
Here's a quick rundown of the Blue Badge application process. You can find full details on MYGOV.SCOT here.
Blue Badge automatic qualification
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you:
- are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment
- get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment
- get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
- get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge
If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge under certain circumstances, if you:
- have a significant disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
- have a significant disability lasting at least 12 months that means you're virtually unable to walk
- regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
- have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys
Where can I park with my Blue Badge?
Your Blue Badge permits you to park for free in certain restricted areas, including:
- at on-street parking meters
- in pay and display bays
- in disabled parking spaces
- on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions
- Using your badge in other parts of the UK
- Your Blue Badge is valid in most other countries. If you're using your Blue Badge in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock - this comes with your Blue Badge
- The Timer Clock is a plastic dial with hands that can be adjusted to show the time of parking arrival
What do I need to apply?
Applications are made online to your local council and you'll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself.
You will also need a photo or scan of your:
- proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
- proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter - you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead
- proof of benefits - if you get any
You will also need to know:
- your National Insurance number.
- the details of your current Blue Badge - if you're reapplying
- Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision
If your application is turned down
Your local council should inform you why you're not eligible. If you believe they haven't considered some crucial information, you can request them to reconsider their decision.
If your disability or health condition worsens, you can also reapply.
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