Blue Badge Applications
What is a Blue Badge?
You should be aware that if your child is considered disabled, they may be entitled to a Blue Badge. Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. You can apply f for yourself if you qualify, or on behalf of your child.
Children who automatically get a Blue Badge
Your child will automatically qualify if they are aged 3 or over and:
- They receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- They are registered blind or severely sight impaired.
People who may get a Blue Badge
Even if your child doesn’t qualify automatically, they may still be eligible for a Blue Badge. This applies if:
- Your child is under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means they always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment.
- Your child is under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means they must always be kept near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment.
In our case, our child LB qualified on the basis that he is on a palliative pathway and may need rapid access to hospital.
Who decides on eligibility?
Your local council will decide if your child is eligible. They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence. It may take 12 weeks or longer to assess your application. If they decide your child is not eligible and you think that they did not take account of all the facts, you can ask them to consider your application again. As a reflection, our application for LB was quick and straightforward. We had a badge for him in just over 1 week, but this may vary by region.
Finding the contact details for your application
Your local council will provide additional information on the Blue Badge scheme. You can find their details here if you enter your postcode:
https://www.gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme-information-council
Cost of a Blue Badge
In England, they cost £10, lasting up to 3 years. They cost £20 in Scotland, and are free in Wales.
How do I apply?
Applications can be made online. he criteria will be set out by the local council. You will need to provide evidence of any medical conditions your child has. You will also need a recent digital photo showing their head and shoulders.
You’ll also need a photo or scan of their:
- proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport).
- proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter).
- proof of benefits (i.e. DLA assessed at the higher rate).
Central London congestion charge scheme
Blue badge holders don’t have to pay the congestion charge.
To qualify for the 100% discount from the charge, you must first register with Transport for London and pay a registration fee of £10.
You don’t need to own or drive a vehicle to register for this exemption. You can register up to 2 vehicles that you normally use for travelling in central London.
Foreign travel
You can use your UK Blue Badge when travelling in some EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. As policies may be subject to change, you should check before you travel whether this applies to the country you are travelling to.
Sources of Further Information
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-can-i-get-one