Blue Badge query

the_devil_made_me_do_it

My partner's mum has real problems walking far. She really struggles but is too proud to apply for any of the disability benefits.

However, we have been trying to persuade her to at least apply for a blue badge.

What is involved in applying for a badge?

Hopefully if I get some info, she may seriously consider applying.

Horseunderwater

Normally what you do is ring the local council that looks after the county and speak to social services adult needs I think it is. Or it is at mine. However there should be a link on your council web site that will tell you their version of the procedure and how much you need to pay. Normally £10 ish I think now and you will need a photo of your MIL as her photo has to go on the badge. She might have to be seen by an occupational therapist to be assessed as they are getting stricter on issuing them these days.
Why is she too proud to claim help? If she needs it, she needs it. Just getting guaranteed pension credit for example can be a passport to many other things, such as the warm home discount scheme. Help with council tax and or rent if in social housing or private rental. Help with NHS costs and stuff. And if she is over 65, then she could get attendance allowance, which might get her a blue badge anyway. Not sure about that. Or if under 65 she might get DLA?

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thanks for the reply.

I will have a look on the local council website.

As for her being to proud...she has been all the years I have known her & I don't want to even try & change her. Just happy to encourage her to apply for a blue badge. It would help her & her hubby a great deal.

LadyMorticia

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.

I will have a look on the local council website.

As for her being to proud...she has been all the years I have known her & I don't want to even try & change her. Just happy to encourage her to apply for a blue badge. It would help her & her hubby a great deal.

Blue Badges are invaluable, in my opinion. I would be lost without mine now as it enables me to stay out for longer and parking closer is a godsend. The spaces are also big enough to get my wheelchair out, whereas it can be a struggle with normal spaces!

I'd definitely encourage her to apply for one. She will find it so useful!

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Have been trying to persuade her for the past year. Not even close to getting her to apply for one.

I think she has it in her mind that she will have to undergo a huge amount of tests before she is allowed a blue badge & this really scares her.

It would be a godsend for her if she had a blue badge. If we take her anywhere, we have to drop her off close to the entrance & then leave her to find a parking spot. This is totally not ideal & can become very restricting on where she can go.

LadyMorticia

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Have been trying to persuade her for the past year. Not even close to getting her to apply for one.

I think she has it in her mind that she will have to undergo a huge amount of tests before she is allowed a blue badge & this really scares her.

It would be a godsend for her if she had a blue badge. If we take her anywhere, we have to drop her off close to the entrance & then leave her to find a parking spot. This is totally not ideal & can become very restricting on where she can go.

I had to have an OT assessment for mine as I wasn't receiving HRM DLA at the time but it was more of an informal chat and the OT was so lovely. He even gave me tips on aids and adaptions that could help me around the home.

The OT part of it is really nothing to worry about (if she would need to see one that is) and it's just more of a chat to see what her walking is like and how a BB would be beneficial to her.