Free bus pass and transport concessions
You might be entitled to public transport concessions, such as a free bus pass.
How to apply for a Blue Badge
If you or your passenger has severe mobility problems, the Blue Badge scheme lets you park closer to your destination than you might otherwise be able to.
What is a Blue Badge?
A Blue Badge can give you more accessible parking options, including using disabled parking spaces.
If you receive a Blue Badge, only you can use it. This means if someone else is picking you up or dropping you off they'll be able to use it – but you can’t lend it to someone to go and do shopping for you, for example.
If you don't need the badge anymore you have to return it to your local council.
Who can get a Blue Badge?
You should automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if one or more of these criteria apply to you:
- you get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance
- you claim Personal Independence Payment because you can’t walk further than 50 metres
- your mental health stops you from making journeys because of overwhelming distress
- you have a permanent and substantial disability which means you're unable to walk or find it very difficult to walk (you'll need to prove this and you might have to be assessed by a medical professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist)
- you're registered as blind
- you receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- you have received a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (within tariff levels 1-8).
If you don’t automatically qualify you may still be able to get a Blue Badge if:
- you have problems walking – including problems caused by hidden disabilities such as dementia or mental health problems
- you have a severe disability in both arms which means you have considerable difficulty using parking meters
- you often become extremely anxious or fearful of public or open spaces
- you have a terminal illness, which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult. In this case, you might need an SR1 form (which has now replaced the DS1500 form) – contact your local council to check.
Are you entitled to extra money?
Do you know what benefits you are entitled to? Our Benefits Calculator can help you, quickly and easily, to find out what you could be claiming.
How do I apply for a Blue Badge?
You can apply for or renew your Blue Badge . Some councils also let you apply on a paper form – contact your local council to check.
Before you apply, make sure you have:
- a recent digital passport photo
- proof of identity
- proof of address
- proof of any benefits you’re receiving
- your National Insurance number or child reference number if you’re applying for a child
- the number, expiry date and local council on your current blue badge, if you're reapplying.
Depending on what you put on the application form, the council may ask you to provide extra information. This could be more information on any medication you take or treatments you receive, and any letters you've received from healthcare professionals. The council may also ask to carry out further assessments to decide if you’re eligible.
Be careful when applying
Only your local council or GOV.UK can issue you a genuine Blue Badge. Don't use any other ways to apply and if you think you've been scammed you should report it.
How long does a Blue Badge application take?
It can take up to 3 months to process your application, depending on your council and whether you need further assessment. It’s best to ask them how long it’s likely to take when you apply.
What should I do if my Blue Badge application is refused?
If your application is refused, your local council should tell you why. If you don’t think all the important information was considered, you can ask them to reconsider your case.
If your mobility problems get worse, you can reapply.
Where can I park with a Blue Badge?
Blue Badge holders are exempt from certain parking restrictions, including being allowed to park:
- free of charge at on-street parking meters and in Pay and Display bays
- on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, except where there's a ban on loading or unloading.
Some local councils put additional restrictions on Blue Badge holders. You should check with the local council in the area you’re parking in to find out what their rules are. The scheme doesn't apply in certain boroughs in London, which offer their own parking concessions.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²ÊÖ±²¥×î¿ì¿ª½±s.