Blue badges

[QE93]

Hello all,

Does anyone have experience of applying for a blue badge as Lupus now qualifies under new rules and recognition of hidden illnesses?

Thank you

[Buckley123]

Yeah I got mine no issues xx

[EOLHPC in reply to Buckley123]

did you apply recently...& how long did it take for the badge to come through? ❤️🍀

[Buckley123 in reply to EOLHPC]

Yes I applied about 2months who took about three weeks did mine online cost £2 came straight through xx

[EOLHPC in reply to Buckley123]

Wow: so you applied v recently! And you didn’t need to involve your GP or any other medic...GOSH...am getting straight onto this: 1st gotta find this website you used ....

[EOLHPC in reply to EOLHPC]

...found this official UK website, but the application seems more involved:

gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

[Buckley123 in reply to EOLHPC]

I applied straight to my local council

I uploaded a letter from dr Cruz online

Honestly the easiest thing I’ve applied for x

[EOLHPC in reply to Buckley123]

Thanks....feeling less anxious about the hassle now! 🍀❤️🍀❤️

[Buckley123 in reply to EOLHPC]

Good luck barnclown xxx

[EOLHPC in reply to Buckley123]

👍💐💞

[miichele in reply to Buckley123]

Which country do you live in

[QE93 in reply to Buckley123]

Hi Buckley123- thanks for the reply! Really helpful- i wasn’t sure they’d actually award it. Fingers crossed 🤞 thank you!

[Buckley123 in reply to QE93]

Good luck xx

[MEGS53 in reply to Buckley123]

Hi. Are you feeling a bit better now? xxx

[Buckley123 in reply to MEGS53]

Hey meg I don’t know if you mean me 🤣 if you do thanks 🙏 no I’m in bed today I feel as if my legs have been hit with a hammer and I have a really bad headache 🤕 I could get up I guess but I won’t kids have gone out with there dad so I’m resting today

How are you xxx

[MEGS53 in reply to Buckley123]

Yes, I mean you!! Enjoy your well deserved rest in bed, but please try to find a new GP asap. I'm ok. It sounds crass, but the cancer is the least of my health concerns - at least I know what I'm fighting!! xxx

[Buckley123 in reply to MEGS53]

Your so brave meg !! Your in my thoughts always ! Xxx

[EOLHPC]

👍 good question: am prepping to apply right now...hope this goes smoothly for you...❤️🍀❤️🍀 Coco

[QE93 in reply to EOLHPC]

Good luck- are you trying the website? I hope it goes through smoothly 🤞

[EOLHPC in reply to QE93]

👍🤞 Yes, i will...asap...+ will go to my council website as buckley suggested...i see my gp soon after i do all that, so will be more ready to check in with her about this, eg get her supporting letter etc

😯 How are you tackling this? Am so glad you posted!

[QE93 in reply to EOLHPC]

I looked at the website but just wasn’t my sure what to tick with the multiple choice bits... I have just moved so think will wait til I have my first transfer rheumy appt in a couple of weeks...

[EOLHPC in reply to QE93]

Good plan. I’ve had chronic mobility issues for decades , but have postponed applying ...am not sure why...everyone around me can’t understand either...but now my spine conditions are severe enough, and preventing my equinus contracture rehab...so...

[QE93 in reply to EOLHPC]

Barnclown sorry to hear about your back- hope you’re not in too much pain. Good luck with application 🙏🏻

[EOLHPC in reply to QE93]

💐Thanks...had an instrumented lumbar fusion in june which has reduced the most severe pain a lot, but also have 3 grade 2 lumbar fractures + various other overlapping spine stuff both in cervical & lumbar spine...am getting good joined up care, but am having to finally switch to going much slower, less far + with more care...and the blue badge will help a lot with this 👍

[CecilyParsley]

I have had mine for 8 years. No problem at all

[QE93 in reply to CecilyParsley]

Thanks for your reply CecilyP- did you apply online?

[CecilyParsley]

When I applied 8 years ago I had a Lupus diagnosis but had not applied for DLA so my GP wrote a supporting letter and I got it fairly quickly. Thereafter I had DLA so it was simply a case of including my award and I got it. I renewed it last online a few months ago and I had transferred to PIP so I had it back within a week. It is a Godsend to me. The bats are wider so if I need my wheelchair there is room to manoeuvre, or they are nearer to facilities and given my bladder issues that is a real bonus. Good luck with your application xx

[QE93 in reply to CecilyParsley]

Thank you!

[Lupiknits]

Thanks for this. I had no idea that I was Blue Badge eligible because I get the lower mobility rate for PIP. According to my council application form (which only seems to ask about the mobility) I am eligible, based on the points I get for it. So I’ll give it a go.

Let’s hope there are Blue Badge spaces left!

[Doey1962]

I didn't know that, thank you I thought about applying for pip, was worried I would be turned down on a good day.

[HazelW]

I've had a Blue Badge for several years but recently had to reapply as I moved to a new area . As my home computer hadn't been set up I went to my local library & a member of staff helped me to apply online and initially it was refused but I then sent a copy of my rheumy's latest letter and I got my badge in a couple of weeks. The whole process took less than a month.

Good luck.

[QE93 in reply to HazelW]

Thanks for your reply HazelW- definitely will use a hosp appt letter to support application after your experience.

[Krazykat26]

Yes I too have a blue badge..got it from county council!! It's sooo handy for when I go out!! I'm on pip n I have to renew every three years..I did it the old fashioned way..filling in paper form n posting it to them. It cost £10 n a stamp!!

It's definitely worth applying.

Good luck 🤗xx

[Doey1962]

I applied for a blue badge after reading your posts, and was flatly turned down in 24 hours, was so upset as I have never applied for anything in my life, I am now worried about applying for PIP. All my joint's are affected, do hands, knees and feet are painful all the time, making walking too far or carrying anything very painful. Any suggestions, or is it my local council just don't recognize lupus as an illness, it's so frustrating for me. I would like to cut my working hours, but as I live alone with a mortgage, I just can't afford too, getting no help from anywhere.

[QE93 in reply to Doey1962]

Hi Doey1962,

It sounds like you’re in same position as me! That’s why I asked... I think one person said after rejected they sent a GP/ clinic letter to support it, but it also sounded like many people already have PIP.. can your clinic write a letter to support it? Hope it works out 🤞

[Doey1962 in reply to QE93]

Thank you so much xx

[Krazykat26 in reply to Doey1962]

Hi Doey

Definitely apply for pip..it opens doors to other benefits including the blue badge. When u have been awarded pip they will accept your application.

You're struggling n need extra help..it is out there..but u have to jump through hoops first unfortunately 😔

Good luck 🍀xx

[Doey1962 in reply to Krazykat26]

Thank you, worries me to death, I may have to cut my working hours and I really can't afford it.

[Krazykat26 in reply to Doey1962]

Go for pip..n u will get some financial support..u can still work on it n hopefully reduce your hours.

The whole process is quite long winded n it takes a lot of effort but post here if you've got questions with it. Xx

[Doey1962 in reply to Krazykat26]

Thank you so much