Blue Badge UK for RLS

[Dilkygirl]

I am writing for my 84 year old mother who suffers terribly with RLS and is under the care of a specialist neurology team at Kings College London. More recently when her RLS is especially bad it is hugely effecting her mobility with her legs feeling leaden and very heavy during the following day. Has anyone been successful in getting a Blue Badge for RLS as it is not listed as a disability but the impact on her is very disabling if that makes sense? She is frightened of losing her independence but is finding it increasingly hard to walk from car parks to where she needs to be such as the GP or osteopath. Thanks Clare

[Jelbea]

Do apply without delay for a Blue Badge. You must make as good a case as you can. Your mother's age and the fact that she is attending the Neurology team at Kings College, that she finds it difficult to walk any distance and that a fall could be disastrous for her. I was advised to put in as much detail as I could when I applied for mine and I received it with no bother. It makes so much difference - even from the point of view of the driver.

Best Wishes

[Dilkygirl in reply to Jelbea]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[Joolsg]

Each Council is different and some are more strict than others.RLS is not classed as a disability under the Equality Act BUT the law was changed in 2019 so that councils should consider 'invisible disabilities'.

Fill out the form in as much detail as you can , with supporting evidence from your GP and hospital letters.

[Suberino in reply to Joolsg]

Not a disability?! Maybe if someone making the decisions had it, they might change their mind! 😂

[Joolsg in reply to Suberino]

Absolutely. I have MS as well, which is classed as a disability and limits my ability to walk. Uncontrolled RLS is worse than MS. My council in London just refused my blue badge because I can walk 25 metres.I'll appeal it because the ParaOlympic runner Kadeena Cox has a blue badge in a nearby London borough for her MS and she can run more than 25 metres, let alone walk. She will need her badge for the days when MS fatigue and pain make it difficult to get around.

The whole blue badge scheme needs an overhaul. It should be applied consistently and take into account invisible disabilities.

RLS causes fatigue and exhaustion and lack of sleep so a blue badge is definitely needed.

But as the medical profession doesn't take it seriously, it will be very difficult to persuade some councils.

[Suberino in reply to Joolsg]

I hope your appeal is successful, Joolsg.

You clearly have sense on your side, but I have heard enough stories now to show that sense does not seem to form the basis of the decisions on too many occasions, I think.

[Joolsg in reply to Suberino]

My appeal was granted instantly today. No new evidence required. Just shows that most UK councils use different criteria and are not up to date on the changes to the law in 2019.

[Dilkygirl in reply to Suberino]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[bedith6]

hello Dilkygirl. Yes, I have managed to obtain a blue badge and am finding it really useful. I am 92 and I listed RLS. and lack of sleep as well as arthritis. Good luck, I hope your mother is successful

[Dilkygirl in reply to bedith6]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.