Blue badge?

[Flower2011]

Has anyone applied for a blue badge after cancer diagnosis (not on benefits), don’t want a mobility car just a blue badge for the days when you have low energy and to park nearer to the hospital for your appointments. I was at the hospital for over 12 hours on my first appointment 2.5 weeks ago.

[harpist_UK]

Yes, a lot of us have this. I resisted it for a couple of years as I was quite able bodied but was advised to get one last summer to 'use at my discretion'. I use it all the time! Such a help for hospital parking. And the supermarket. Take all the help you can get. My CNS organised it for me.

[Rachael47]

You don't have to be on benefits, just have difficulty walking. My MacMillan nurse sorted mine out, and it is a godsend. Incidentally our hospital issues badges which entitle cancer patients to park all day for the price of an hour.

[Lindaura]

Yes!

The MacMillan Charity Benefit person came to my house while I was bedridden and applied for me!

I had to take a photo of myself and send via email to the Blue Badge people, but they were really nice and it is an invaluable asset to have.

Even if your mobile now, with this disease, you never know how well you will be in the future.

Good luck,

Laura

[Flower2011]

Thank you I will try Macmillan

[Marycha]

I applied directly to my local Council. Called them first for advice. I had to feel all relevant forms and provide 2 passport size photos. I also attached a letter from my GP. I had my Blue Bagde within a week.

[Manchesterlady]

Hi

I have a blue badge , and it’s been invaluable, not only at the hospital, but doing shopping. Just get one . You won’t regret it

[TeamTerrier]

McMillan applied for one for me, I had to sign a letter from them and return it and the badge was sent out the following day. No cost or photo needed. Diana x

[Yoshbosh]

Agreed! Get a badge if you can, and remember if there are any qualifying questions about your mobility to answer as if you are referring to your very worst day. Don’t think that because most of the time you are fine, you should answer as if on a good day - imagine the fatigue of a bad day and give that as your response. (If you apply for the PIP which you are also probably entitled to, you should also answer those questions in the same way).

Vicki x

[Stephenlangtonriley in reply to Yoshbosh]

Totally agree, these assesments are not a job interview, I was on PIP and they declined my first application because the assessor asked me to walk up to the crossing to get back to the bus stop, doing it meant I couldn't get home at the other end, normally I would have just crossed the road, silly mistake for me to make for an assessment, didn't do that the next time though. I am surprised that someone has one without a photo as that is requirement on the application.

[Katmal-UK]

Yes, had one for years, bee a godsend on bad days xx

[Di16]

I have a blue badge, but I got it through having PIP. Di

[Hidden]

I’m just waiting for mine to be delivered. I got to the point where I was dreading work because of the metro journey or early start to get a parking space, I just don’t have the energy. This will let me work for longer I think. I got it through the local council. X

[Birdsong222]

So glad you posted this item. I too have been offered one by my CNS and was surprised. Good advice about thinking of the bad days when energy levels are really low and how it could help, park closer to the shops and hospital departments. Anything to help maintain my independence at those times.

[Hopefulgal1]

I have been avoiding due to feeling “ too young / able bodied” but at present can just about get from bed to toilet!! Yes this has inspired me to do the same. It will really be a great help I believe..

[Hidden in reply to Hopefulgal1]

I have put off getting one for coming up three years as I felt like a fraud. I still think I’m in denial about this disease! 🤪 x

[Maggiemo19]

Get one ASAP. I got mine within a week. I filled in the form online and uploaded my pic....done. It’s been a godsend to me as my mobility has become so bad. Remember to tell them how bad your mobility is and that you can’t walk far. They don’t call you up and question you so don’t be frightened to apply. Good luck. X

[MostlyHarmless]

I got mine via the lady at the Marsden whose job it is to help with various DWP forms (including PIP). Until she mentioned it I hadn't thought about it. It's a godsend on a bad day.

[Flower2011 in reply to MostlyHarmless]

Thank you to all the helpful replies, my onc nurse said she would speak to consultant about a form for PIP, I don’t need the money but Bolton Council where I live won’t consider it without me having PIP, seems daft that they will give me money I don’t need in order to give me the badge that I do need.