Blue Badge

idvi

Hi there,

I have some mental health problems and have been advised i might be able to get a blue badge because of anxieties and the bipolar/ocd.

but looking around mental problems dont "normally" qualify

Should I apply or not? i dont want to be done for fraud if I apply and i'm thought to be a 'faker', I just thought that if I had it then it would make life easier for going out :j

I already have the bus pass, cinema card, dla mid-rate care etc

all advice welcome!

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Indie_Kid

If you apply and get turned down, it's just a letter saying "sorry, you don't qualify because <reason>" and they refund the money you paid for the badge.

idvi

sh1305 wrote: »

If you apply and get turned down, it's just a letter saying "sorry, you don't qualify because <reason>" and they refund the money you paid for the badge.

wow, many thanks for the very quick reply :rotfl:

how likely are they to accept mental health problems?

before today I had no real idea about blue badges - never even crossed my mind if i might qualify

Has anyone been issued one for mental health reasons?

CharlieBilly

found this http://www.laws.sandwell.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/transport-and-streets/motor-vehicles--roads-and-parking/parking/blue-badge-parking-scheme/;jsessionid=a5xe9rc05KPb

You may be eligible for a badge if:

• you have a permanent or substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking. If this is the case, your doctor will be asked a series of questions to help determine whether or not you are eligible. He/she will have to assess whether you can walk more than 100 metres without stopping, severe discomfort or need the help of another person to do so. If you cannot, then you will qualify for a blue badge. This may include people with mental health difficulties.

CharlieBilly

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/Bluebadgescheme/DG_181208


People who need to have an assessment

You may also be eligible for a badge if you are over two years old and either:

• have a permanent and substantial disability which means you cannot walk, or which makes walking very difficult
• drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms, and are unable or would find it very difficult to operate all or some types of parking meter

If you are a parent of a child who is less than two years old, you may apply for a badge for your child if they have a specific medical condition which means that they either:

• must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around without great difficulty
• need to be kept near a vehicle at all times, so that they can, if necessary, be treated in the vehicle, or quickly driven to a place where they can be treated, such as a hospital

If you do not automatically qualify, your eligibility has to be assessed by your local council. You will be asked to answer some questions to help them decide whether or not you can have a Blue Badge. The council may also ask your permission to get further information from your doctor, or ask you to see an independent health professional, like a physiotherapist.

Trialia

I'm pretty sure there's something in the DVLA's guidelines about not driving if you have mental health problems that are not under control - I have unmedicated bipolar disorder, they won't let me drive. So you should be able to get it, but it's worth trying either way.

cherub1965

another one taking spaces away from people who have mobility problems:mad:.

Indie_Kid

cherub1965 wrote: »

another one taking spaces away from people who have mobility problems:mad:.

Mobility is much more than about walking.

cherub1965

try telling that to somebody when every step they take is agony when somebody gets out of a car in a disabled bay and walks normally.hacks me off.for the last few months i have been struggling to walk due to rheumatoid arthritis,normally meds make me bit more mobile but not on any at min due to allergic reactions,long story.most days i need a stick to walk.apart from the fact people without badges often park in these spaces,there arent enough of them to go around as it is.my OH mostly has to drop me by the door of where we are going and park further away,when i have been drivinfg myself on occasions i have had to go home as i cant get anywere near shops etc.

idvi

Trialia wrote: »

I'm pretty sure there's something in the DVLA's guidelines about not driving if you have mental health problems that are not under control - I have unmedicated bipolar disorder, they won't let me drive. So you should be able to get it, but it's worth trying either way.

oh you are correct, i dont drive for that reason - I meant it would be easier when my parents take me out etc

cherub1965 wrote: »

try telling that to somebody when every step they take is agony when somebody gets out of a car in a disabled bay and walks normally.hacks me off.for the last few months i have been struggling to walk due to rheumatoid arthritis,normally meds make me bit more mobile but not on any at min due to allergic reactions,long story.most days i need a stick to walk.apart from the fact people without badges often park in these spaces,there arent enough of them to go around as it is.my OH mostly has to drop me by the door of where we are going and park further away,when i have been drivinfg myself on occasions i have had to go home as i cant get anywere near shops etc.

sorry if i"ve offended you, somebody else told me i was entitled which is why i googled for somewhere to check and found this website

Indie_Kid

cherub1965 wrote: »

try telling that to somebody when every step they take is agony when somebody gets out of a car in a disabled bay and walks normally.hacks me off.for the last few months i have been struggling to walk due to rheumatoid arthritis,normally meds make me bit more mobile but not on any at min due to allergic reactions,long story.most days i need a stick to walk.apart from the fact people without badges often park in these spaces,there arent enough of them to go around as it is.my OH mostly has to drop me by the door of where we are going and park further away,when i have been drivinfg myself on occasions i have had to go home as i cant get anywere near shops etc.

If they fit the criteria, they're entitled to a badge just as much as you.