Blue badge

[Mojo17]

If you have copd and bronch can you get a blue badge I am 64

[Hidden]

I think you have to be on benefit to get a blue badge

[Katinka46 in reply to Hidden]

I managed to get a blue badge. I do not have a clear diagnosis of anything apart from chronic thromboembolic disease. But there is evidence of an obstructive airways disease but NOT COPD. The assessment is on symptoms not diagnosis. And how far you can walk without stopping to recover. But it also depends on the area, some parts of the country may be tougher than others.

Apply and see what happens.

K xxx

[Hidden]

I am 65, have bronchiectasis and I have had a Blue Badge since 1998. You don't need to be on benefits to get one, just in need of one. They changed the rules this year and instead of having it automatically renewed my county council made me go to be assessed at an industrial park unit miles away from where I live. Luckily A friend drove me. I was assessed by an occupational therapist who knew nothing about lung conditions. They are used to seeing people with limbs that don't work, not hidden disability which takes your energy and breath away. At first she said silly things like 'if it is difficult for you to walk from the car to the shops etc why don't you have a walking frame on wheels?' Then my friend pointed out that I do not have tge energy to lift it out of the car or up pavements. I refused to go outaide for a walk with her because the weather was bad and it would take my breath away. Eventually she became cross that the cc had made me go to be assessed and passed me. She also suggested that I apply for a PIP, which as just under 65 which I was when I was awarded it, gives me The Blue Badge automatically at every renewal for ten years. Get the Blue Badge appliction form, remember that they are watching you from the carpark in when you go for the assessment and go for it. If anybody needs a Blue Badge, people with COPD and bronch do! good luck.

[Toci]

It is easier to get one if you are in receipt of the mobility allowance but not impossible without. Each application is decided on merit so if you have difficulties do apply.

[Mojo17]

Thanks for the help I have just emailed my local council to ask them

[stone-UK]

Hi

Use the online application .

gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

Your council can waiver the personal assessment if you can supply sufficient supporting evidence.

Test results for example.

I would also look at claiming PIP.

Use same web site for details.

Type PIP into search box.

[Mojo17 in reply to stone-UK]

I am retired so I can't claim PIP

[stone-UK in reply to Mojo17]

Hi

You can claim PIP upto the age of 65 whether you are retired or not.

After 65 it is Attendance Allowance.

It a non means tested benefit to assist your mobility and/or care needs.

I am retired and claim DLA which was the previous name the benefit .

[Mojo17 in reply to stone-UK]

I am a woman so my retirement age was 61 I am now 64 so what if anything can I claim and how do I go about it

[stone-UK in reply to Mojo17]

Hi

Ring the BLH help line they have a benefits adviser who can supply the correct information and assistance

03000 030 555

[Mojo17 in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks for your help

[Fletcher21 in reply to stone-UK]

hi, what evidence did you provide, as the council have ignored all my medical notes and letters from my doctor, thanks

[clematis5932]

I have had a Blue Badge for the last six years without the need for an assessment. I chose to do it online. I have bronch and emphysema. I gave names of consultant, doctor and respiratory nurse, and where they could be contacted plus dates of hospital admissions and dates of Consultant appointments. I stated how far I could walk without the need to sit down. November 2015 was the last time I applied the whole process took three weeks. I am not in receipt of Motability allowance but do receive lower rate attendance allowance.

[Mojo17 in reply to clematis5932]

Did they write to your doctors or did you just get the blue badge?

[Katinka46 in reply to Mojo17]

When I applied someone from the office phoned me to say that although applicants have to supply GP and consultant contact details they cannot contact them directly. It was suggested that I send documents to support my application. So I sent photos of a letter from my consultant, and the latest Spirometry test that showed moderate obstructive disease. A few hours later she phoned back o say that my application was successful. i did not have to go for an assessment.

So... Go for it.

K xx

[Mojo17 in reply to Katinka46]

Thanks do you claim mobility allowance too

[Katinka46 in reply to Mojo17]

No. All this is still very new to me. I need to have a look at that. My husband is disabled, spinal fractures, 23 years ago, he can walk but very slowly and with difficulty. He chose not to drive after his accident. And he is very reluctant to apply for blue badge, or any other help. He needs the mobility allowance more than me. He recently was given a wheelchair, it is now gathering dust in a corner of our sitting room. Will he use it? Will he heck!

All eh best, and let us know how you get on.

K xx

[Mojo17 in reply to Katinka46]

Sorry to hear about your husband it must be hard for you yes I will keep in touch xx

[clematis5932 in reply to Mojo17]

No I asked my doctor he said they had not been in touch. I did not elaborate on anything just answered the questions based on a bad day not a good day. As this was my third application that may have helped as they could see that I was now on more medication than before and that I had been hospitalised twice due to my condition. From what I have read each local authority seem to have there own set of rules. Just try best of luck.

[Mojo17 in reply to clematis5932]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi have a look at the Govt. site where you will find lots of info on all benefits.

gov.direct.uk x

[Mojo17 in reply to Hidden]

I will thanks

[daffy456]

yes .. if your walking ability is limited... insist on one

[dwrgi3]

Yes you can. I've have COPD and have had one for three years. I am not on mobility and got an application form from our local council for my doctor to fill in.

[katieoxo60]

Hi Mojo17, Blue badges are awarded for alsorts of different illnesses, as said it is how bad your illness effects your mobility. i.e breathing, pain,sight difficulties, hearing ect. My motto if in doubt apply, you do not need to be on benefits to get one, but certain levels of disability benefits passport you to a blue badge ( high rate mobility DLA or PIP,or Attendance Allowance)

[MarieW-F]

I am 45 and have a blue badge. I have never applied for benefits but I was awarded a blue badge. I think you automatically get one at a certain benefit level but otherwise you fill in an application and are considered on a case by case basis. Don't see why you shouldn't apply.

[Hidden]

My husband was diagnosed four years ago with IPH - when he came out of Hospital( he was in for five weeks after the biopsy went pear shaped & he was on a Ventilator in ICU ) I got the forms for a Blue Badge - took them to our GP & he did the rest. We had the Badge within a few days - Mike was not on any Benefits.

[Nikkers]

Hi Mojo. The short answer is ...yes! I have one. You do NOT have to be receiving PIP or benefits, but they may ask for a verification from your GP or consultant? So go for it, mine's been a Godsend to me. Good luck. XX

[Offcut]

Most councils now use the PIP mobility award to automatically give a blue badge. I have one but it was hard work explaining all of the conditions I have as they are not the most common so they have no idea what I am going though. But I did get it renewed. It runs out early next year, so I expect to have the same problems I did last time.

But in short they are looking at the fact that you cannot walk 20 metres. Which is a stupid distance, it used to be 50 metres!

Good luck

[1redkite]

I've had COPD for about 8 years now, and last year applied for and was given a blue badge - having been helped to fill in the form by a very helpful lady at the council office in our town.

Apply ! you've nothing to lose.

They are a great help