Blue badge

[Flower2011]

If anyone is thinking of getting a blue badge at Manchester Christies, contact the Maggie Centre, they did everything for me over the phone and I have the badge, took just over a week. They can also claim benefits for you if you need them. You don’t need a photo done either, it’s all fast tracked.

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Flower I've had mine more or less since diagnosis but that's very useful to know! One of these days I will pop along to the Maggie Centre when I'm next going for my check up at the Christies. xx Kathy xx

[Mopsie in reply to Katmal-UK]

Hi Kathy

Do you know if you qualify for a blue badge if not on chemo but taking Naraparib or the equivalent. Mine is due for renewal in July and I am concerned as to whether I will be given one again even though I have side effects relating to balance etc.

Maureen xx

[Katmal-UK in reply to Mopsie]

Hi Mopsie. You should be. I have lower rate PIP for mobility issues (dizziness and peripheral neuropathy in feet) which means I automatically qualify but if you don't then I'd suggest getting your GP or hospital to help you get this resolved. Or indeed speak to MacMillan. I'd start looking into that now before your badge runs out . Kathy xx

[Mopsie in reply to Katmal-UK]

Hi Kathy

Thanks for your reply. I too have peripheral neuropathy in my feet and balance problems. When I told my oncologist about the balance issue she said it was due to my brain not realising where my feet are following the chemo!! That made me smile as I can see where they are but no recognition by the little grey cells when walking. I get Attendance Allowance but as I don't feel as bad as on chemo while taking Naraparib I will have to ask MacMillan if this counts the same when reapplying for that.

Maureen xx

[Katmal-UK in reply to Mopsie]

Hi Maureen

Always worth asking. If I am totally honest I never thought I qualified for assistance but when it was DLA I got the full mobility allowance, now, under PIP I just get standard (I say 'just' I'm grateful for anything!). I could have appealed but I never thought I warranted it before so I'm happy. To me the Blue Badge is the main thing, though I do get irritated when ppl look at me sometimes as I leave my car. I once had a man come right up and look at my dashboard as I had just parked up to see if I had put a badge up. Not having a particularly good day I said 'I have cancer, is that ok with you if I park here?' Not sure I have ever seen anyone go that red. Never judge a book etc.... Be interesting to know how you get on xx Kathy xx

[Flower2011 in reply to Katmal-UK]

It’s surprising what you can get help with, parking, free car tax and PIP as PIP is not means tested so no long winded forms, they only asked a few questions about my mobility, I have good days where I can walk around Tesco or around town, but other days (majority) I don’t leave the house. So I won’t abuse the badge but I will use it to save my energy and get nearer to places.

[Katmal-UK in reply to Flower2011]

Yes, it's not about abusing 'the system' is just help when we need it . Love your user name btw, makes me think of 'Flower' from the Disney film Bambi ....... showing my age and how my mind works lol.

[Manchesterlady in reply to Flower2011]

Hello flower . Sorry to jump in . How do you get PIP? And what does it entail. My blue badge is invaluable as I also suffer fro polymyalgia.

[Flower2011 in reply to Manchesterlady]

Personal Independence Payment- PIP is in 2 parts based on your mobility, ones £80ish and the other £60ish so the Full benefit is £145 week so worth having, plus if you get the full amount you can claim back car tax, and of course get the blue badge. If you’re in Manchester as your name suggests then ring the Maggie Centre at Christie’s, they did it over the phone with me.

[Manchesterlady in reply to Flower2011]

Thank you flower, I already have a blue badge , is PIP income related ? Do you have to be on benefits?

[Flower2011 in reply to Manchesterlady]

It’s not income related, and you don’t have to already be on benefits,

[Manchesterlady in reply to Flower2011]

Will definitely ring them tomorrow then . Do I just ask if I’m eligible for PIP?

[Flower2011 in reply to Manchesterlady]

Yes just ask them what benefits you can get, they will ask you some questions and do the form for you, my onc nurse helped in the first instance and may have part done the form then asked Maggies to follow up, but if you call Maggies I’m pretty sure they can help with what you need.

[Colman in reply to Manchesterlady]

Hi. You will have to have an assesment to see if you can get pip. I would say always use your worst days as your example and don't play it down. I'm not telling you to lie. But I find us ladies with cancer try and see the positive in our illness and that's not going to get points you need to qualify. Hope this helps.

Claire xxx

[Yoshbosh in reply to Colman]

I agree with you, Claire. It’s best to think about your worst day, and describe that. Those will be the days when you need the most help, and anything available will be hugely appreciated. Otherwise we all carry on with an ‘I’m fine!’ attitude, and struggle when we need it most. For example, I don’t use my blue badge when I fit and mobile, but I make full use of it when I’m not.

[Rachael47]

The Macmillan team organised attendance allowance and blue badge over the phone, no hassle.

[JanePW1965]

My mum got one too. It took a while as she's so proud but I finally persuaded her and she's so glad she has one now. The nurse from the Marie Curie Hospice came round to the house and did all the paperwork and fast tracked it!

[Manchesterlady]

Hi Flower , just wanted to let you know I contacted magpies regarding PIP , the do think that I will be entitled to something. The are sending me a form, and I have to phone them to help me fill it in . So thank you for your information

Sheila