Blue Badge Eligibility

You receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance

You must provide proof dated within the last 2 years to begin the application process.

You can get a copy of your award letter from DWP, search 'Benefits helpline' on GOV.UK.

You have a 'moving around' score of 8 points or more under the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment.

Or, you have 10 points for ‘planning and following a journey’, with the descriptor ‘cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant’.

When we process your Blue Badge application, we will check your Personal Independence Payment Award with the Department of Work and Pensions.

If our check confirms the following you will not need to send us any proof of your PIP award:

• the name and address of the person in receipt of the award matches your Blue Badge application
• the start and end date of the award
• the scoring page showing scores in the relevant section
• all relevant references at the top and bottom of the page(s)

You are Registered Severely Sight Impaired (Blind).

You must provide a copy of one of the following:

• Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), stating you are severely sight impaired (blind)
• Ophthalmologists report
• BD8 form.

You receive the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.

You must enclose a copy of the award letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SVPA).

If you have lost this letter, contact the agency via the free phone enquiry number: 0800 169 2277.

You receive the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme

you must provide a copy of your award letter confirming:

• receipt of tariffs 1 to 8,
• that you have a permanent and severe disability
• your disability causes an inability to walk or considerable difficulty walking.

If you have lost this letter, contact the agency via the free phone enquiry number: 0800 169 2277.

You may qualify if you fall under one of the following discretionary criteria

• You have a permanent and severe disability. Which means you cannot walk or struggle to walk.
• You meet all of the following criteria:

1. You drive a motor vehicle
2. have a severe disability in both arms
3. you struggle to operate parking meters

People with cognitive or non-physical disabilities are able to apply for a blue badge if their condition causes them very considerable psychological distress while taking journeys. People who receive PIP with 10 points for 'planning and following a journey', with the descriptor 'cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant', are automatically eligible for a blue badge.

People who are not automatically eligible need to provide significant evidence of their condition with their application, through documentation such as:

• Medical, psychiatric, or social care reports
• Letters from consultants, GPs, or hospitals
• Education, Health and Care Plans (children)
• Prescription lists (cannot be submitted on their own)

As part of the application process, you will also need to provide details of the condition and describe what coping mechanisms are currently in place and how effective they are. All of this information will be used to assess the application.

People whose ‘hidden’ disability affects their ability to walk can apply under the criteria for walking difficulties.

Visit the Department for Transport website for more information.

You may apply for a Blue Badge if you are the parent/guardian for a child under the age of 3, who:

• Needs bulky medical equipment with them at all times
• Needs access to a vehicle for crucial treatment, this includes treatment in the vehicle or travelling to a medical professional

The badge will expire on the day immediately following their third birthday.

We offer a fast track service if:

• you have a life limiting illness that limits your mobility, or 
• you are in receipt of a DS1500, 

If you meet either of these criteria, please complete the application form

Blue Badge for life limiting illness application