Blue badge scheme

Who qualifies for a blue badge

People who automatically qualify

A blue badge maybe automatically issued without assessment to disabled people if one of the following apply:

  • you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance(DLA) (help with getting about)
  • you receive eight points or more under the 'moving around' activity of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • you are registered severely sight impaired
  • you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
  • you receive an Armed Forces Compensation Award

People who do not automatically qualify

Other people may be issued a badge if their disability is permanent and substantial and causes inability to walk or considerable difficulty in walking. Applicants will need to demonstrate that their ability to walk is affected to the extent that they would be unable to access goods or services unless allowed to park close to shops, public buildings and other facilities.

The applicant’s inability to walk or severe difficulty in walking must be permanent and not just intermittent or temporary. Things such as difficulty in carrying shopping are not taken into account.

A badge may also be issued to people who have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot operate, or have considerable difficulty operating, all or some types of parking meters or pay and display equipment. A badge will not be issued under this rule to a person who will be travelling purely as a passenger.

Children under two

Children under two years of age may be eligible for a badge if they need to have bulky medical equipment with them at all times, such as an oxygen supply, or if they have a specific condition which may require them to be near a vehicle, either to receive treatment in the vehicle, or be transported quickly to a place where they can be treated.

Organisations

Organisations that care and transport disabled people may be eligible for a badge.  Please refer to this online application form.

Check if you’re eligible for a blue badge