The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that people may still qualify for a Blue Badge even if they do not receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or other disability benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that individuals may still be eligible for a Blue Badge even if they do not receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or other disability benefits containing a mobility component.
Many people presume that a Blue Badge is exclusively available to those with physical mobility difficulties or those claiming PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP). However, following a rule change in 2019, local councils across Scotland, England and Wales are permitted to award a Blue Badge based on an individual assessment – even where no disability benefit is currently being received.
The change means that people with hidden conditions, including autism, dementia and severe anxiety, may qualify for a Blue Badge if travelling causes overwhelming psychological distress or poses serious safety risks.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms clarified in a written response to Lib Dem MP Will Forster that “eligibility for a Blue Badge is not limited to benefit awards”.
He further stated: “While some people qualify automatically through certain mobility payments, others can apply directly through their local council and be assessed on how their condition affects their ability to make a journey.”
With upwards of three million Blue Badges currently in circulation across England and Wales, plus more than 235,700 in Scotland, awareness of the non-benefit route remains surprisingly low, leaving many families unaware that they could be entitled to this vital support.
There are two ways to qualify for a Blue Badge: automatic eligibility and further assessment Blue Badge automatic qualification.
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge 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 Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- get PIP or ADP and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment
- get PIP or ADP and scored 12 points in the ‘planning and following a journey’ area of your assessment
- get PIP or ADP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- get PIP or ADP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP or ADP 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
If travelling causes overwhelming distress, panic or serious safety risks, you may still be eligible even if you do not claim disability benefits.
If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances, if you:
- 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.
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