Blue Badge Parking Scheme - WNC

A Blue Badge is a disabled parking permit that allows easier access to public facilities for people with severe mobility issues or non-visible (hidden) conditions, causing them to severely struggle with the journeys between a vehicle and their destination by allowing them to park closer.

Qualifying for a Blue Badge

You automatically qualify if:

• You receive 8+ points under the 'Moving Around' descriptor for the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
• You receive the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with a score of 10 for 'Planning and Following a Journey.' Specifically, the 10 points states "cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to claimant."
• You receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). If you receive the Attendance Allowance, you should apply under the physical condition.
• You are Registered Severely Sight Impaired (Blind). If you are partially sighted, you should apply under the physical condition.
• You receive the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement.
• You receive a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (the lump sum awarded needs to be within tariff levels 1 to 8).

You might qualify if:

• You cannot walk or find walking difficult
• You have an enduring and substantial disability
• You have considerable difficulty in walking
• You have a non-visible (hidden) disability
• You have been diagnosed with a terminal illness that seriously limits your mobility or have an SR1 Form (formerly the known as a DS1500)

Children Under 3 Years

If you are the parent of a child who is less than three years old, you may apply for a Blue Badge for your child if they have a specific medical condition, which means they:

• Always need to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around without great difficulty.
• Have to be kept near a vehicle at all times so that they can, if necessary be treated in the vehicle, or quickly driven to a place where they can be treated, such as a hospital.

The badge will expire on the day immediately following the child's third birthday.

Mobility Assessments

As part of your Blue Badge application, you may be invited to an appointment over the phone with WNC's independent mobility assessment.

How To Apply for or Renew a Blue Badge

There is a £10 charge when applying for a Blue Badge payable by credit or debit card. If you are not eligible you will be automatically refunded.

You will need:

• Credit or debit card (and, if your bank requires it, your phone to authenticate your payment)
• A recent, colour, digital photo of yourself (passport-style, showing your head and shoulders)
• Proof of address dated within the last 12 months - this should either be a copy of a utility bill, bank statement or an official letter in your own name such as a council tax bill, letter from the benefits agency
• Proof of identity - this proof must detail your full name and date of birth such as a birth certificate, valid photo card driving license or a passport
• Proof of benefit - including all pages of the letter and dated within the last 12 months (if applicable)

You may also need to provide the following, depending on your application route or your disability or condition:

• information about any medication you are currently taking 
• information about any treatments or surgery you have had or are due to have, that relate to your condition (including dates, if possible) 
• official diagnosis letters any other relevant information or reports that are relevant to your application that demonstrate, or help to demonstrate, your eligibility

Due to the variability of the impact of various disabilities and health conditions, it is recommended that supporting information includes:

• details of the impact of your condition on your ability to make a journey
• the frequency that these impacts occur
• whether they are specifically brought on by making a journey

Getting Help With Your Blue Badge Application

If you need help completing your Blue Badge application, you can book an appointment at your local library or visit one of WNC's monthly drop-in sessions.

Blue Badge Application Progress Updates and Timescales

Blue Badges are assessed within 6 weeks of us receiving all supporting documents.

If you do not provide all the correct documents within 28 days, your application will be automatically closed and you will be refunded.

When To Renew Your Blue Badge

If your application is successful, your Blue Badge will be issued for 3 years.

You will not automatically receive a renewal reminder. It is the badge holder's responsibility to apply for a new badge 8 weeks before the expiry date.

Resources:

• Northamptonshire Local Offer - Guide to Getting Around in Northants, Easy Read (PDF 1.65MB)