IPF and blue badges.

[Sooki]

I could do with a blue badge but don't claim any benefits yet.I can walk quite a distance on the flat and walking slowly,but if I come to a slope or hill then it's a struggle ,anyone out there got badges,or at what stage of your illness have you claimed DLA. Or PIP as its now called.

[phillips1]

Hi Sooki.

Blue badges are issued through your local council. They will need to know whether you have severe walking difficulties. They will usually contact your GP for a report so it might pay you to see the GP first and prime them. I left my application quite late and I was actually at stage four, moderate/severe emphysema when I applied. It went straight through and I had a badge in about three weeks. I hope this helps.

Bobby xx

[Hidden]

Hi sooki, Our local council in Gtr Manchester no longer contact GPs but arrange appointments with a occupational therapist who asks questions relating the application form you have submitted and then asks the applicants to walk a short distance with her in the waiting area. My husband went for an assessment about 4 weeks ago and has now had is badge for 2 weeks. Hope this helps. Joyce`

[Bealings48]

I got turned down this month despite only being able to walk short distances on the flat and slopes are difficult and hills are a no no. It seems you have to be nearly immobile to get one these days - it annoys me as I see people much more able than me with one and parking and walking into supermarkets and round shops. I personally know at least 6 people who are much more able than me with a blue badge. As I am a pensioner I am not on DLA and have no mobility qualification except medical information

[Sooki in reply to Bealings48]

I know what u mean,i see lots of more able people with badges,as a pensioner you would be able to claim attendance allowance,I got it for my mum who also had IPF,I also got a badge for her,she is sadly no longer alive.You should try again ,ask your dr for a letter.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I'm the same as phillips1. I just filled in the form and put Stage 3 COPD as this is what my doctor said. While waiting I had a proper hospital assessment and am diagnosed with Stage 4. I phoned the Blue Badge people about the change and the chap said don't worry about it as you are already qualified for a Blue Badge and it;'s on it;s way. It seems to be a post code thing again. I don't always use a disabled bay. It depends how healthy I feel at the time.

[Hidden]

Hi, We had to apply online through the local council who now assess everyone! It was a simple test - would have been for me - a bit more tricky for my husband with severe COPD. But they staff were lovely it was a stressfree encounter and he was awarded a blue badge. I would recommend you trying for this - it has made our life much more simple and taken the stress out of shopping etc. We did try to apply for DLA but we were turned down. Even appealed. Makes no sense as my husband has stage 4 COPD. Anyway will apply next year with renewed determination! Good Luck with the blue badge. TAD xx

[CouncillorB]

My local council does not contact your doctor but assesses you on the information you put on the form. It is not only about how far you can walk but what medication you take and your general medical problems. I have moderate copd,get breathless when walking more than 20 yards and have lymphodema in both legs. I was delighted to receive my blue badge a few months ago and has taken a lot of the stress out of driving knowing I can park in a disabled bay

[Offcut]

I have had one for some time now I have heart, Lung and arthritis problems but got it when I moved house in another council area. A long time back I had mine taken off me because I turned up at their office for a review and they used that as a yard stick "As they had to reduce numbers" their words to me.