Many people may not be aware that there is another way to participate in the Blue Badge scheme for those who do not automatically qualify without an assessment. If you have a physical impairment that limits your ability to walk safely, a hidden illness such as dementia, autism, or Parkinson’s, or a mental health condition, you may be qualified for a Blue Badge, which allows you to park closer to your destination.
A Blue Badge bearer, whether driving or as a passenger, can park for free in disabled parking spaces and may be exempt from other parking restrictions. Currently, approximately 235,700 Blue Badge holders live in Scotland, and in many cases, persons are immediately eligible for the £20 parking permit.
This covers those who get a higher mobility rate for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP), and Disability Living Allowance. However, there are six categories of people who may not be receiving a mobility component but may still qualify.
To apply for a Blue Badge, you do not need to be able to drive, unless you are applying due to arm difficulties. The Daily Record says that there are other ways to gain access to the Blue Badge Scheme. If you are not automatically eligible, you may still be able to acquire a Blue Badge under specific circumstances, such as:
- have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
- have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you’re virtually unable to walk
- regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
- have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys
- you often become extremely anxious or fearful of public or open spaces
Blue Badge applications are handled by your local council, and they may seek additional information based on the application form. This may include information regarding your medicine, therapies, or letters from healthcare providers. They may also perform additional assessments to determine your eligibility for the Blue Badge. In Scotland, some conditions automatically qualify you for the Blue Badge. You immediately qualify if you:
- are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment
- get PIP and scored 12 points in the ‘planning and following a journey’ area of your assessment
- get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
- get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
To apply, send an online application to your local municipality, along with a current digital photo of your head and shoulders. You may take this photo yourself. You will also be required to supply a photo or scan of your evidence of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license), proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter), and proof of benefits (if applicable). Alternatively, you can ask your local council to check the electoral register for your residence.
If you’re reapplying, you’ll also need your National Insurance number and information on your current Blue Badge. After you apply, your local council will review your application and notify you of their decision. If your application is denied, your local council should explain why you were not eligible. If you believe they have omitted important information, you might ask them to reconsider their choice. You may also reapply if your handicap or medical condition worsens. You can apply for a Blue Badge on the themygov.scot website.