Blue badge

[Poppylove1]

Hello,, Has anyone had success with getting a blue badge following diagnosis? I'm working full time and find parking and walking problematic at times.

[edfosho]

Yea I have one, and I believe many others with ataxia have. Similar to PIP, Blue Badge applications consider your abilities (as opposed to your diagnosed condition or disability). They are issued and managed by your local authority too, so application success rates and lead times may differ across the country (though in most cases, once you have a Blue Badge it can be used nationwide - with the exception of a couple of boroughs in London, worth looking into if that's applicable to you!)

Get started if you haven't already, gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

[Poppylove1 in reply to edfosho]

Many thanks for your reply. I will apply. All the best 👍 x

[wobblybee]

🙂 I did eventually apply for a Blue Badge myself.

The ‘Badge’ lasts 3years..and even with a progressive diagnosis, a new application has to be made each time.

[Poppylove1 in reply to wobblybee]

Thank you. I'm seeing neurologist on 19th Dec for outcome of genetic sequencing. I will ask if I can have a supporting letter. Also, do we need to inform DVLA / insurance? Thanks 😊

[edfosho in reply to Poppylove1]

Re DVLA,

gov.uk/ataxia-and-driving yes, tell them.

Re insurance, I don't believe legally you have to inform them of your condition (someone please correct me if I'm wrong), but it's a good idea to inform them if the DVLA make changes to your license e.g. for me, they issued a 3 year medical license, so I told my insurer.

[Poppylove1 in reply to edfosho]

Okay, many thanks. Such a good site this. Glad I found it.

[woody1404]

It is essential that you advise both the DVLA and your insurers. Failure to do so will negate your insurance.Ed is right, your licence will be for 3 years at a time, like the blue card.

On the application you should say what difficulties you have on your WORST day, do not be tempted to downplay your symptoms.

Good Luck!

[Jellybean75]

definitely apply for blue badge asap and like woody1404 says fill out your application with your worst day difficulties. Re car insurance, my insurers gave me the ok to drive but I needed to inform DVLA of condition. DVLA confirmed I was ok to drive but they would be consulting my neurologist. Mmmm - good luck with that I thought, I only see him once a year! Also apply for as many benefits as you can - this ataxia is an expensive business what with walkers, power chairs/mobility scooters and stairlifts plus any other aids you might need. Always someone here to help and chat x

[Millwallben]

Yes, mine arrived last week. It did take a long time for the application to go through, but when approved and I paid the £10 admin fee it arrived within a week.

[Sea_]

I got an OT to do letter for blue badge and it came quickly. Told DVLA had progressive cerebellar ataxia in Jan when I got told.,so just got a driving reassessment last week and have been given a 3 year license which you’ve reminded me to advise my insurance if change to my license.

Good luck

[MaggieSylvie]

When I applied, they were with me from their door to my car and said that I managed that well. Well, how often do you go in to work without carrying anything heavy or awkward? It's one thing to walk a certain distance, but to walk it when you are carrying stuff is something quite different. I was turned down. I might be successful right now but by the time I get an appointment, my condition should be better. I'm not going to fake anything. My partner has blue badges, which is helpful.

[Tallguy101]

Hi I have had blue badge for 10+ years now, it is an absolute godsend as my mobility declines. Was diagnosed in 2006 and first had the blue badge in 2012, Its a bit of a pain getting it in the first place but upon renewal it's simple. You only have to go thorough assessment initialy. I found the process relatively easy, so it's definitely worth doing. Good luck and I hope you get yours.

[Granielle]

My husband has a BB although he has relinquished now his licence and I do all the driving. We sent a copy of the neurologist's report that said he was in danger of falling and it is my belief that this was the clincher. But get access to your medical notes and scour them for anything that would emphasise and provide evidence for your problems.

[penelope2]

Yes I have a BB, not only being able to park near the entrances it also gives you more space to get in and out of the car. So really helpful. When filling in the form Woody is right, put down what things are like for you on a bad day. Councils will be different but I found Braknell Forest to be quick, no probs with questioning my mobility etc. Ataxia UKs Helpline is a good place to get help.

Good luck

[Zigalig]

hi Poppylove re a Blue Badge I have one and it is really useful and as Woody says you need to fill it out with your worse day in mind - I had Jess from Ataxia uk helpline help me and also a PIP application which I have had awarded - I applied after I realised it wasnt means tested