Get the most out of being disabled.

HappySad

I am registered disabled with my local council. This gives me free travel and free use of the library.. also low cost courses at the college.

I also get DLA and Incapacity benefits which means that I can register for the Cinema Card. I am just about to post this off tomorrow.

I was not aware that the council should be able to advise anyone about finding builders.

I heard it mentioned on another tread about financial help with childcare if you are on IB.. but I have not checked it out to see if this is true.


It looks like it depends what area you line in... my council is in London.

nemo183

Well, can't imagine this will transform your life, but a Blue Badge will allow you to avoid the congestion charge in London. Also, and I may be very wrong about this, you don't have to drive to get a Blue Badge - a friend/helper may apply when you are in their car. Thus, you get to park on single yellows at the least!! Handy for shopping, if nothing else.

And as regards to applying for a Blue Badge, unless you are 100% certain you won't get one, just do it. When the application form arrives, imagine the worst things can get for you, and fill it in with that in mind. Better still, arrange for a friend to help you fill in the long and tedious form - designed to put you off filling it in - because not only will they motivate you to do it, but they'll probably point out even more "worst case senarios" of why you should have one.

Best wishes, and good luck!

PS - Don't forget to pop over to the benefits etc forum - loads of help and ideas there.

HappySad

Thanks Nemo183. I clicked on you message [thanks] button to up your thanks rate.

Where do you go or call to get an application form for the blue badge?

MyUserNamesTaken

Ted_Hutchinson wrote:

Yes it's not often someone with a mental disability can get a Blue badge, although some local authorities take a more enlightened view and allow them for particular mental disabilities such as agrophobia. If there is a particular reason why having a blue badge may enable you to do something which you could not otherwise do because of your disability then it would be worth explaining this to the office issueing the badges locally and getting your Health Professional to support your request.

Surprisingly enough, you can get a blue badge if your child is getting high rate mobility allowance even without a physical disability. If that child needs far more supervision than is normal for a child of the same age, it is possible. It all depends on how much of a danger they are to themselves when out in public and how much care they require when out and about.


Actually, it's about filling in the sodding DLA form correctly! Both my son and a friend's son have Asperger Syndrome. Her son managed to get high rate mobility and care (and a blue badge from the local council), whereas my son got low rate mobility and high rate care. The only difference? She got a social worker to help fill out her form. My point being, it is possible to get high rate mobility for disabilities that are not physical, but you need to show that you really do need a lot of help when out and about.

cattie

In my borough they keep no list of registered or preferred builders & they have really come down heavy on the issue of disabled travelcards now & they are not easy to come by . The borough with the Dome isn't particularly concerned with disabled people & and day centres are few & far between here. I wish I'd realised what a naff borough it was in this respect before I moved here & when I do move I'll ensure it is to a neighbouring,
outskirts of London borough,who have far more on offer to disabled people, & much lower council tax to boot.

Really it seems to be a bit like a lucky dip, depending on which local authority you come under.

Lady_S

If you have a blue badge you can get cheaper RAC cover, ring 0800 550550 and ask abour their response package

Ted_Hutchinson

RAC Blue Badge holders
But check Martin's advice first
Cheapest Roadside Recovery
Breakdown cover at a very, very nice price

nemo183

You need to apply for a blue badge from the Social Services Dept of your "County, Unitary, Metropoltian District or London Brough Council" - probably who ever you pay your Council Tax to.

You can get up-to-date info here:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_mobility/documents/downloadable/dft_mobility_030107.pdf

cathy1972

do you think im entitled to any benefits,i work part time,and i suffer with rhumatoid arthritis,but im struggling a bit,and might be losing my job soon.would appreciate any comments please xx:D

sock-knitter

i have mental health problems, and receive dla, i was told that if i applied for a free bus pass, i would lose the mobility part of my dla, so i didnt bother
the cinema card scheme, is run throughout the whole country
blue badge criteria vary from council to council, i have two sons with aspergers and adhd, and cannot get a blue badge, sespite help from social worker in filling in thje claim form