Applying for a Blue Badge

[Juleskb]

Just wondering if any of you wonderful warriors have been successful in applying for a Blue Badge? If so, any info gratefully received!

[nomoreheels]

I applied after I was two points short on moving around component with my first PIP application. It's not done now but I was able to connect with my County Council Offices by video link set up in the library in the next town. Nowadays I automatically qualify through PIP, renewed online. If you are in England entering your postcode in this link will give you info pertaining to your local council's website re Blue Badge gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme-in... or alternatively apply through gov.uk online here gov.uk/apply-blue-badge Applying is a little more involved if you're not automatically eligible just so you're aware. I had to answer all sorts of questions with my first application to the officer on video link so I would imagine there will be additional info needed when done online. I've never needed an assessment as some have had & I don,t know I’d they are still performed but I would imagine with online applications they are pretty much a thing of the past.

I don't use mine all the time, especially if I’m having a good period, but it's really helpful when I’m struggling, especially the odd occasion I do food shopping & have more than one bag so the trolley is heavy to push, the least further that is the better! I do seethe quietly sometimes at people who abuse it. The amount you see parking in spaces with no evident Blue Badge & who appear to have no real need, though of course as we know invisible diseases aren't always evident so I don't ever confront anyone, although I have been once. It shook me up even though I had need at the time. Ho hum.

I hope you're successful & find it helps you too.

[Creakywrists]

I applied 6 years ago. I wasn’t on pip but was struggling to walk any distance. In our area applications were reviewed by an occupational therapist and as a result of my application I got a visit from the OT covering my area. She was totally knowledgable about the effects of RA and it’s variations and the comings and goings I had with lack of mobility. She also got me an electric bath seat which saved my sanity at the time. Although I have had a few periods when I’ve neither had to use the blue badge or the bath seat I’m so grateful that I have had them both, they’re essential just now as I’m currently using crutches.

I’ve had my blue badge renewed twice online without further assessment - I think she must have put on my paperwork that I would need it long term.

[Pippy25]

Some good answers here already from people. Just another point to add would be should you be successful and get a Blue Badge, always be careful when you park in a blue badge holders parking space to check that it is either free parking or you have to display your badge and also pay for a parking ticket. My local hospital have Blue Badge parking spaces but you have to pay like everyone else. A local car park in my town is the same while the others are free on display of a badge, that one isn't and this does catch some out. Always best to check than get caught out or stung with a parking ticket. Hope this helps. Take care.

[Hidden in reply to Pippy25]

Yes I’ve been caught out in my local council pay and display which I thought would be free with my badge so ended up with a ticket and fine to pay. My Mum’s council pay and displays are free to use for blue badge holders so I stupidly assumed the same xx

[Pippy25 in reply to Hidden]

That's right, sometimes I've noticed it is in such small print too and you only see the blue badge symbol and the writing is on another part of the board. Always best to check isn't it.

[Hidden in reply to Pippy25]

Definitely worth checking, something I’ll not ever do again, was a silly mistake xx

[Moonart]

Hi I’m not on pip or any other disability benefits but I do struggle to walk far on my own. I applied through my local council website, filled in the forms online and sent a picture for the badge that way too. I was sent for assessment to an independent physiotherapist. I took my stick with me and took my time with the walking assessment part. Luckily I was having a bad day! It’s a bit like everything - fill the form in with your worst days in mind and at the assessment tell them of your worst days. Luckily I had a physio who knew all about RA so she was very understanding and knew all about flares. Like someone else here said I don’t use mine all the time either but it’s very helpful for when you have bad days. My local hospital you have to register your badge and car reg with their parking office. And my city has cut lots of parking for everyone as well as disabled. Always check at meters, etc what the rules are for disabled in a particular place, that way you shouldn’t run into problems. Some you pay & get unlimited time, some you don’t but only get a limited amount of time. Good luck!

[BoneyC]

I suggest reading your local authority's Blue Badge application criteria as it may be slightly different to other councils.

[aliplayspiano]

I have a blue badge but have never applied for pip. I filled in an online form for the local council and had to also send evidence of address, identity etc. I had to go for an assessment where I was asked questions about my mobility and they could also see me walking. I was in the middle of a massive flare at the time which probably helped! The assessor was a physiotherapist and knowledgeable. A couple of days later I received an approval letter. Have since renewed it online and wasn’t called for an assessment. I find it’s most convenient for work (I work for a university) as I would struggle to walk from the main car park so can use blue badge spaces near to the office. Like everywhere though these are abused by non blue badge holders looking for a handy place to park! I am in endless discussions with security/estate managers about it.

[ProudYorky]

Hi I applied last year on my tablet so easy and straightforward even for a novice like me even took a photo and sent it .Could not believe how easy it was heard back within 7 days .Even paid over the net ....Give it a go it's simple ...

[Hidden]

Not the same, but I have had a bus pass in the past from a Dr.s letter. I get PIP Mobility now, so have ‘automatic’ entitlement. There is a government portal which ‘sends’ you to your Local Authority. There’s a few weeks wait. Just get your GP/ Rheumatologist/ Physio to do a letter for you.

[Runrig01]

1 applied about 5yr ago then renewed 2yr ago. Dispite my limitations, I’ve never bothered applying for pip as it sounds too stressful, and I gave a separate illness where I produce no stress hormone, and therefore good or bad stress can make me very ill. I’m fortunate it was awarded in each case without assessment. I did submit lots of evidence to back up what I was saying, like my rib fusion which results in no chest expansion and makes me short of breath. I also got a supporting letter from the AS charity, explaining the condition and its impact on my life.

[Hidden in reply to Runrig01]

Morning. I hear what you are saying, but I would apply for PIP before you retire; you cannot make a claim after then. If you have a claim already it continues to be paid after retirement (state pension).

Yes, it’s a very stressful and upsetting process, but once it’s all sorted you can plan better financially for your future. I have had to stop work and I live alone, so I have some quality of life with it. I have nearly always done freelance work, so my pensions are teeny. I was 41 when I couldn’t work anymore. [I thought at 40 I would get it all sorted. Prior to that my focus was on short term contracts and travelling].

I appreciate all our circumstances are different. Fightback is an organisation that can help with form filling etc. You have to pay, but you feel less alone. Benefits and Work isa a £20 annual membership if you feel up to applying yourself. Obviously everything is your choice and your decision. Just worth having a think about the longer term.

[Runrig01 in reply to Hidden]

I have made the decision to apply, and have recently obtained all my records, so that I have evidence to submit. I recently had my occupational pension reviewed and increased to tier 2, confirming I’m unable to work. I had a massive stroke 3yr ago due to an adrenal crisis, brought on by a stressful situation at work trying to reduce my hours as I was struggling with my AS. I was always very chilled and never stressed, dispite being a ward sister on a busy ward, but the days leading up to the stroke I was distraught and had no stress tolerance which apparently is one of the signs of low cortisol. As the stroke was caused by the lack of the stress hormone cortisol, I was nervous about exposing myself to further stress. I have to carry an emergency intramuscular injection to administer if needed. Just somebody startling me can result in me feeling nauseous, lightheaded with headache, and it will progress to slurred speech, and even lose consciousness. I literally produce no cortisol and have to think for my adrenal glands and dose accordingly. However saying all that, I think I should apply and as you say it will allow me a little better quality of life. Perhaps getting a cleaner to help with housework. You don’t realise how far from normal you’ve become with all the aids to help you do tasks. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I should say I was thrombolysed as stroke was witnessed and recovered well physically but have been left with problems with my memory. I’m 56 now have an identical twin, who is fit as a fiddle, and it’s sad to see how different we are. She’s out walking miles climbing hills, I struggle to potter slowly to town. Take care 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Runrig01]

Yeah. My (15 months older) sister is built like a tank!

I took 3 months preparing for my last PIP review. I went through all my GP notes and RA letters with a marker pen (and physio etc).

Do lots of drafts. Write a list of how you do things and how an ‘able-bodied’ person does things. We have small adaptions for everything which is our ‘normal’ so we actually forget all the allowances we do make every day. Remember rests and ‘after effects’. Majority of the time criteria is also very important. You may be relatively ok for a couple of days, but not ok for 5 days. It’s counter-intuitive but focus on what you CANNOT do/ or need some help with.

Take your time; it is better to do the work now before you formerly apply. Once you phone the DWP a 28 day countdown clock begins. Go through the points and back up any you think you should get with medical evidence.

Also, write as if to an idiot. I had a horrible sage when I was reviewed about 5 years ago; it took 30 months to resolve. It was partly as a result of me thinking that I was conversing with a medical professional. Explain what your illnesses actually are/ what your meds are for etc. Also any prognosis/ time you’ve had the issues. It’s a lot of work, but worth it. Short term pain. long term gain. Best of luck x

I used fightback’s ‘form review service’ last time; it took 3 weeks for my review that time.

[Tracy-NRAS]

Do give our NRAS helpline a ring and have a chat with them, they have helped many with their applications. 0800 298 7650 Mon-Fri 0930-1630

[Juleskb]

Thank you all so very much for your responses - very helpful indeed. Happy weekend everyone! 😀

[Briefencounter]

Yes , I have a Blue Badge . This was after I retired . I completed the form as accurately as I could . I mentioned all the operations I’ve had due to my RA - including the names and telephone numbers of surgeons , doctors and consultants . I included my long list of medications . I had to time myself walking , so I got my husband to measure our drive then he timed how long it took me to walk it .

As we all know we feel differently on different days with RA so it’s best to complete the form on a bad day rather than a good day . Put down as much information as you can , the assessors are not mind readers - but be truthful.

I have to complete a form every three years , which is a bit odd as at 80 I’m unlikely to improve and start entering marathons . So my application form is almost identical each time . However , it’s a small price to pay for the help the blue badge gives .

[Bhasvic64]

My blue badge application was easy or though I admit my son filled it all in for me,just asked me a few questions that he wasn't sure about. It arrived in a couple of weeks!!

[Juleskb in reply to Bhasvic64]

Thanks for your reply Bhasvic64. Do you live in Brighton and Hove by any chance (just thought that your name indicated that possibility)?

[HappykindaGal]

I have. Took two attempts. First try turned down and accepted on appeal. I had a GP letter on both occasions which makes me think they turn everyone down the first time. Didn’t have to do anything except tell them I wanted to appeal.

[weymouth321]

Evening Juleskb,

Yes , am currently filling out the Blue Badge application form as I write this .

It’s a renewal , but the authority has since changed application as if one were applying from new .

Yes , am using the on-line , have to describe how ra affects one , giving details of distance , describe the actual pain one experiencing when walking , walking up a flight of stairs, etc. Balance , posture , coordination.

It’s taken a good few days , but hope to get it by Sunday.

[Juleskb in reply to weymouth321]

Thanks for your message. I started my application, took a break, went back and paused again!! I’ll get back to it when I have the strength. I cannot believe the hoops you have to jump through (if only I had the strength!!) 😂 Good luck! x

[weymouth321 in reply to Juleskb]

Morning Juleskb ,

Oh , completely understand , you need to take breaks , they invite you to download a copy at the end , definitely do this . I got to finish and submitted yesterday as it was due in by today . They say it can take up to 12 weeks .

[Juleskb in reply to weymouth321]

Hello again - thanks for your reply. I'm going away for a few days and hopefully, I'll recharge my batteries and maybe have enough energy to tackle the blue badge stuff when I get back. Take care and keep smiling!