Blue badge

[Beven1]

I left plenty of time to renew my BB back in April, expires 8.7.24 so thought I would be OK. Finally in June I got email saying I had to complete a full application. I did this straight away as time was running out. Now my Badge runs out Monday and I still have heard nothing. I know you used to be able to continue using expired badge if you put case number for application next to the the badge. Could anyone help to let me know if this is still the case or am I going to have to stay home for the most part because I don't have this aid. Thank you in advance Beven

[Runrig01]

I had a similar issue, I submitted my full application 12 weeks before it was due to expire. On checking their website, they said they were taking 16 weeks. I emailed asking if it could be completed by the 12 weeks, as due to a recent knee injury I was now confined to a wheelchair, they declined. When I asked if I could continue to use my current badge I was told No, because each blue badge is a completely new application, and information submitted previously is of no relevance and you should submit all the info each time you apply. I went 4 weeks without mine.

Previously I’ve emailed when I was in a flare, and it was processed immediately. Now it’s more than their jobs worth.

[Beven1 in reply to Runrig01]

It is so frustrating, I have had my badge since 2010 and had assessments in the passed but now have to do full application. What is going on? I had bilateral knee replacements 2010 & 2011 which are now not so good. So I relied on my Badge, I don't ask for anything else from the government just my badge to make life abit easier. I wish you so much luck that allgets sorted for the near future.

[Runrig01 in reply to Beven1]

I agree, it’s ridiculous you have to fill out a full application form each time, for a chronic progressive illness. Thankfully I don’t need to do it till April 2026 now. No wonder the governments money doesn’t go far, when it’s wasted spending time wading through full applications, when a form being signed to say you still have a progressive disease and therefore still need a blue badge. Like you I’ve never bothered claiming pip, although everyone tells me I should. I can’t be bothered jumping through hoops for them

[AgedCrone in reply to Runrig01]

The problem appears to be….the BB people tell the Government department…they need a certain (exaggerated) amount of grant to fulfill their duty. But nobody checks where the money is spent…& it is obviously not spent on either enough staff….or on the wrong calibre of staff who make decisions!

Like the NHS…..the Gov throw money at it. But it is wrongly allocated by NHS Admin…who prioritise painting a wall …over a new piece of clinical equipment!

[helenlw7]

Thanks for the heads up. My blue badge expires in May 2025 and I cannot get out without it because I walk on crutches and need to use a wheelchair. I will look into how long my council says I need to apply in. I hope someone can help you.

[medway-lady]

I think contact you're issuer and ask, but think its likely that it expires so no longer valid but check. Things do change and whilst it might be annoying, there probably has to be a one size fits all approach. It really isn't a waste of money as people do die and relatives continue to use the badge. We have a system mostly based on trust and it's abused sometimes sadly that means it's inconvenient. I'm not dismissing how these things can be annoying but if it stops abuse then I'm all for it. I'm sure we've all seen the young chap park in a disabled bay , put up a badge hop out and nip in a shop. I'd try in a criminal court as I'm sure its a criminal offence and heavily fine abusers or possibly hang them........

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Hi id keep phoning them if you can nip their heads It's not good enough really it's getting worse the councils and this situation effects the infirm and disabled alot

You can't use the badge in this situation

Only when waiting on a replacement damaged or lost etc

Hope you recieve it soon

[Neonkittie17]

I read several times you can be fined for using an expired badge even if you put your renewal application number at the side of your just expected badge.

I know on my council webpage for my last renewal 18 months ago it said you should apply 16 weeks in advance. Mine was processed and returned within 10 days. Hoping your is sooner rather than later. 🙏