Fibromyalgia recognised as a Disability

[Sue14934]

Has anyone any experience of applying for a blue badge now that Fibro has been recognised as a disability. I should like to apply as there are days where, like many of you, mobility is minimal but life has to go on.

[Sue14934]

Hi Ajay

Not sure what you mean by 'just because of that' I didn't list my multiple fibro symptoms, as most sufferers know exactly what I mean. Coupled with Fibro I have Plantar Fasciitis, knees that have dislocated on multiple occasions and arthritis in my knees and ankles.

[Dinkie]

Hi Sue

I have a blue badge and it's not illness specific. It relates to how far you can safely walk. The forms are available on line from your local authority (don't use one of the companies advertising to do it for you). Fill in the form and send your photos, fee and any relevant correspondence from the medics. You will be called for an assessment with the council's occupational therapist. Mine was over quite quickly - basically they will watch you from arrival, take you to the office (they will be monitoring how you walk and how far it is to the office) ask you a few questions such as how do you manage your food shop etc and then walk you back to reception again they will be assessing you on this walk back. Then you should hear within 2 weeks whether or not you have been successful.

[Sue14934 in reply to Dinkie]

Thanks Dinkie, that is really helpful. I guess what I am most worried about is that my mobility varies day to day.if I have a plantar episode I can barely walk. I carry a foldable walking stick for when I might need it but I don’t need it every day. I am pretty stoic so I don’t complain about the pain and look and walk normally on a good day.

[Dinkie in reply to Sue14934]

It won't cost anything to try and get a blue badge. If you are not successful the fee is returned to you.

[Sue14934]

Thank you Ajay. I haven’t applied for pip as I work full time.

[releasethemagic in reply to Sue14934]

PIP has nothing to do with working. It is available to everyone, based on the impact of their disability. Lots of people who are working receive it to help with the additional costs of being disabled. It is not taxable either and is not means tested against income.

[Sue14934 in reply to releasethemagic]

Thanks, I hadn't realised but I have done a bit of reading up now. I'm not sure I will qualify, but I will make an application.

[releasethemagic in reply to Sue14934]

Lots of useful help on filling in the forms here healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

[Sue14934 in reply to releasethemagic]

thank you

[Sue14934]

Thank you. That’s very helpful.

[releasethemagic]

You can apply online here gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

[hebden]

Go for it. Good luck. xx

[Angela52afloat]

Hi I have a blue badge and automatically entitled as I have higher rate pip. It is a god send, having a bigger area to get in and out of car . It took about a month to sort, they needed scan of my pip entitlement and sent it straight out. Good luck with your claim ❤️🙏

[Tia-maria]

It really is down to how far you can walk , when I moved to Lincolnshire I had a 3 year badge and believe my I worked over hot coals in London and fought 6 years to get it but I ever stoped trying I couldest walk or shop I couldn’t walk or carry shopping it was a god send dont’t give up keep fighting

[Sue14934]

Thanks for your advice