Blue Badge Eligibility

An individual's application will be considered in terms of being "eligible without further assessment" (previously known as Automatic) or "eligible subject to further assessment" (previously known as discretionary).

We are required to view each application, including those from current badge holders as a first enquiry. 

Eligible without further assessment

If you supply evidence that you meet one of the following criteria you will be eligible for a Blue Badge.

• If you are receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
• If you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• If you receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility supplement
  • Have been awarded a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.       

If you are receiving either the Higher Rate DLA or The War Pensioners Mobility supplement for a term of less than three years (three years is the period of time for a standard Blue Badge to be issued) you will qualify for a Blue Badge but only for the same period that the benefit covers.

Eligible subject to further assessment

You may also qualify for a Blue Badge after further assessment if you are more than 2 years old and fall within one or more of the following categories:

• You drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating all or some types of parking meter: or
• Have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.

In addition children under the age of 3 years old may be eligible for a Blue Badge if they fall within either of the following two descriptions:

• A child who, on account of a condition, must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around with the child without great difficulty
• A child, who on account of a condition, must always be kept near a motor vehicle so that, if necessary, treatment for that condition can be given in the vehicle or the child can be taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where such treatment can be given.

For applications received in the "Eligible to further assessment criteria" it may be necessary to assess how you meet the eligibility criteria. This will require the person applying to attend an independent mobility assessment.

You will not qualify if:

• You do not meet the above criteria
• You have a temporary disability, such as, a broken leg or you are awaiting a hip replacement operation but you are not receiving the Higher Rate DLA or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement for the expected duration of your condition
• You experience a psychological disorder that does not cause you severe discomfort
• You only experience walking problems when carrying objects, such as shopping
• Your condition does not continuously severely limit your ability to walk
• For example, some people have days when they are able to walk better than others.