blue badge questions

tali

does each local authority have different criteria for issuing of blue badges?, does the applicant have to be in receipt of higher DLA? does the applicant have to be physically incapeable of walking no more than short distances?would someone with clinical long term depression be entitled to a blue badge?
thanks

Ms_Chocaholic

The applicant does not have to be in receipt of higher DLA to be issued a blue badge. Can't help with other things, hopefully someone will come along soon who can.

Ms C

Oldernotwiser

You don't have to get DLA to get a Blue Badge, although the information sent out often seems to imply this. On the other hand, I can't see under what criteria someone with depression would be likely to qualify for one. Could you explain?

Morglin

The criteria for having a BB is difficulty in walking any distance:

"You may qualify if you:

are receiving the higher rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
are receiving a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement
use a motor vehicle supplied by a government health department
are a registered blind person
have severe disability in both upper limbs, drive a motor vehicle regularly but cannot turn the steering wheel by hand even if that wheel is fitted with a turning knob
have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking"

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/DG_4001061

Some councils will issue BB's if your GP fills out a form, others won't, and insist on DLA being awarded.

I have never heard of depression being a reason for them to grant one, though.

Lin

limpy-jim

The doctor also has to put onthe form how far you can walk without pain - if it is no more than 25m - you are usually given a badge.

louidog

Each authority should use the same criteria for issuing a badge. You do not need to be in receipt of DLA. Never heard of a badge being issued due to depression though....only ever for a disabilty that stops/hinders the badge holder from walking a distance.

Happychappy

Depression is not a condition which stops you walking long or short distances and does not qualify for a Blue Badge.

The system is abused enough, as recently shown with a body builder who toured the UK and Europe in competitions, he not only claimed DLA but also had a blue badge.

Miss_Money

differnt councils have different rules. my mum had to apply for dla and be awarded it before nottingham city council would giver her a blue badge. Please check with the right department of your local council, they can inform you better

Feanor

Zziggi wrote: »

How does having depression mean you can't walk even a short distance without pain?

If you only have depression then you haven't a cat in hells chance of getting a blue badge.

Come on, be sensible....

HI,

I just wanted to say that we shouldn't generalise and use tersm as above as depression can be extremely serious and we are not here to judge.

I understand in terms of the blue badge though. I myself have one, i am 24 years old with Asthma. I get enough abuse and stares from the general public and get the 'you ONLY have asthma' etc..

Each persons disability are difficult in their own ways.

x

tali

thanks zziggi that was what i was trying to ascertain, but i keep hearing (or ive misread)of too many claiming for "psychological pain "-stating they require a carer/helper -ie same as "physical pain" and therefore hence a blue badge aswell

Garnet_Gem

Having read my Council's application for a blue badge (not for me), I am amazed that so many of them have been issued. It clearly states that you must have a severe motibilty problem. Not all blue badge owners have such a severe condition but i suppose if you can get one, why turn it down?