Blue Badge Renewal If You Don't Go Online

TimeLord1

Seems that a lot of councils are online application only. I have recently tried to help an old age pensioner, that was able to do a paper based application on previous badges, for Essex County Council, finding a Dowland PDF without creating an account is virtually impossible it was straightforward but seems it's online only. They have no email, mobile or a computer. I know you could print off forms via Essex county council some time ago but can't find any option only separate companies that want you to sign up to print it out.  So what are old age pensioners meant to do that have never gone online seems nobody cares about those people  ? 

poppy12345

Have you tried ringing the LA to ask them to send a form out to the person? If not and you have access to a phone or computer can you do the application on their behalf?

TimeLord1

I'm currently messaging them via Twitter it seems the letter she was sent has no Telephone contact so they really don't want to communicate via the phone system, and any download isn't available from them anymore. Seems very unfair for older people who probably need it more especially if they've had it for years.  I'll see if they help but all they told her was go to a library surely they must have them printed and available it seems ridiculous to assume millions of older people will suddenly become able to use the Internet overnight.  Thanks for your reply 🤗

hildasmuriel

My mum was fortunate that I could help her with it or she just would not have renewed.

Then there was the business about proving her ID. Her passport wouldn't cut it because it is out of date but her birth certificate would. So a 91 year old piece of paper with no photo was better proof than an expired passport with a photo of her from 12 years ago 

TimeLord1

hildasmuriel said:

My mum was fortunate that I could help her with it or she just would not have renewed.

Then there was the business about proving her ID. Her passport wouldn't cut it because it is out of date but her birth certificate would. So a 91 year old piece of paper with no photo was better proof than an expired passport with a photo of her from 12 years ago 

Yes various councils have decided that older people will have to sink or swim, I don't know why they don't just extend the date to say anyone who previously qualified will get extra time on the badge or have a straightforward renewal especially if they have checked them and know their disability history. To start from scratch is madness. 

baser999

I renewed my mothers badge on line for her, without too much problem. Don’t recall having to set up an account for her; typed in her badge number, system recognised it as being relative to LB Bromley and redirected accordingly. The only issue we did have was with providing ID as both her passport and driving licence were well out of date. We were forced to dig out her birth certificate.

Savvy_Sue

It's not an immediate solution, but it may be worth getting in touch with your / their local councillor and asking what they're supposed to do? Also organisations such as Age UK may offer help with this kind of thing. 

TimeLord1

baser999 said:

I renewed my mothers badge on line for her, without too much problem. Don’t recall having to set up an account for her; typed in her badge number, system recognised it as being relative to LB Bromley and redirected accordingly. The only issue we did have was with providing ID as both her passport and driving licence were well out of date. We were forced to dig out her birth certificate.

Again that's my point she wasn't able to do it herself without your support Essex County Council request email password you submit to get an account password to access it's application form, maybe you will find it's changed since previous application and proof of identity should be down to a utility or National insurance number. The letter's they send don't have telephone contact or advice for renewal just a website. 

TimeLord1

Savvy_Sue said:

It's not an immediate solution, but it may be worth getting in touch with your / their local councillor and asking what they're supposed to do? Also organisations such as Age UK may offer help with this kind of thing. 

I think originally it was Social Services that dealt with Orange Badge application's but all local councils will do is suggest a local library for help. All very poor if you're wheelchair-bound

TimeLord1

OK an update, having gone through the twitter page for Essex County Council I was able to get a Blue Badge pack with guidance notes sent out it was roughly 15 pages double sided and looked printed out to order rather than made up. So overall not so easy to obtain printing yourself is costly and finding someone without signing up is ridiculous. So message your local county social media pages if they refuse by telephone seems all they're geared to is go online. 

FindMyWayBack

You need to be quite computer literate to achieve getting/renewing a blue badge now, as well as filling in the form, you have to scan and upload a lot of documents to do with your DLA/PIP and then a lot of other ones relating to ID/address, and a photograph. Certainly not a job for your 91 year old relative. I took me a while and I am only 60.