blue badge

[golfingsue]

Is anyone having trouble applying for blue badge for car.If there NOT on any benifits

[Jacqui-A]

Hi golfingsue, I am not on any benefits, but my application for a Blue Badge was successful. Maybe it depends on where you live some counties may be more sympathetic and understand Ataxia than others. Jacqui

[ConfusedAtaxian]

None at all. Took less than a week and would hate to be without it, golfingsue. Issued by Suffolk CC.

[Hidden]

No trouble but I did include diagnosis from consultant. Had it for some years, each year getting more important to me. Try again! Can you still play golf? I can't!

Good luck

Gloria

[golfingsue in reply to Hidden]

thanks for your replys.I do have a blue badge but was told by coucil that when it runs out 2020 aug,i won't get another unless i am on benifits.I have had ataxia for 3 years & sadly had to finnish golf just over a year ago.I am under Sheffield but am going for 2nd opinion to neurology hos. Queens square London at end of feb.Has anyone been there ?.They think i have stiff persons syndrome but tests are neg.

[Piero]

No, my experience as I recall was that with the support of my consultant I secured a blue card quite easily. I don't know how advanced your condition is but my advice is to do all that's necessary to secure one. Without entitlement to proximity parking my life would be very curtailed. Good luck!

[violasrbest]

Hi

I had no problems in Cambridgeshire, and I received no benefits, and was still at work full time, but I've now moved to Suffolk, so we''ll see.

[FFNick]

Cumbria issued my Blue badge after goading with a sharp stick. Not only can you park anywhere but BB gets some items VAT free and extended parking time.

My local council SLDC, are the only car park operator who charge BB holders for parking. All other councils allow free parking for BB holders.

[pinjem in reply to FFNick]

Pretty sure we have had to pay ? Not SLDC.

[ConfusedAtaxian in reply to FFNick]

Suffolk CC. We pay car park charges (40p per hour or £1 for 3 hours) but we get double the time. It was issued quickly FFNick without question.

[Tiggywinkles in reply to FFNick]

I have to pay to park in North Devon but if I go over the county boundary to Somerset it is free! Always check, as different councils have different rules.

[wobblybee]

I had to pay my GP £25 to endorse my initial application for a Blue Badge. But my Neurologist endorsed the renewal FOC. Contact your Neurologist’s Secretary for advice, if you are already diagnosed with ataxia you should surely be entitled to have a renewal of the Blue Badge, whether or not benefits apply. I was seen at Queen Square last year 🙂 xB

[golfingsue in reply to wobblybee]

hi thanks we will see next year if i can get my badge renewed.How did you get on at the Queens square hos.I am seeing professer Giunti for 2nd opinion for my ataxia & stiff persons syndrome.

[wobblybee in reply to golfingsue]

🙂You’ll be in good hands with Prof Giunti. I know 2 people with Stiff Person Syndrome, but I’m not in regular contact. My type of ataxia is linked with SYNE1 and Recessive Episodic Ataxia, so I saw someone else. Altogether I saw 3 people, I think they were very thorough, I was told I could get in touch if my condition changed, and I was given an appointment for later this year. It’s a long way to travel, and it meant an overnight stay to make sure I was in time for the appointment. But, the Ataxia Centre in Newcastle has closed, and we no longer have a Neurologist specialising in ataxia in Newcastle. So, I’m lucky to have been referred 🙂 xB

[golfingsue in reply to wobblybee]

thanks for your reply.just hope i am not wasting my time,but just feel i want some answers & like you we have booked hotel as my appointment is 9 am.secretary said i will be there about 2 hours so planning to get return train 2.30.hope thats long enough.sue

[wobblybee in reply to golfingsue]

My appointment was around 1pm and I saw 3 people, we got out around 4-30ish. Try and write down things you specifically want to ask. My biggest regret is, I did have specific questions, but my mind went blank at the opportune moment 🤦‍♀️ That’s the problem with appointments, they can be overwhelming. 😏 xB

[golfingsue in reply to wobblybee]

Many thanks for your help,i will make notes too.sue

[wobblybee in reply to golfingsue]

Just this morning, I received another appointment in London, for March. This is for 8.45am😬 I’ll definitely make notes of questions to ask this time 😉 xB