If you suffer from a physical disability or other health condition that affects your ability to walk safely, or if you have an invisible illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's disease, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge, which can help you park closer to your destination.
Those with a Blue Badge, whether drivers or passengers, can park free of charge in disabled parking spaces and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions.
Scotland has more than 235,700 Blue Badge holders. Many people are automatically entitled to the £20 parking permit, including those in receipt of the higher mobility rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
The Blue Badge applications can be submitted online, but the guide states that people with mental health problems should contact their local council directly.
The guide says: "If you suffer from a mental illness that affects your awareness of traffic hazards, you cannot apply online. You will need to telephone your local council's Blue Badge team to obtain a paper application form."
The Scottish Government has provided a detailed list of conditions that may make people with mobility problems, or parents of disabled children, eligible for a Blue Badge.
In addition, people who do not automatically qualify may be required to undergo a mobility assessment and meet with a health professional.
It is important to note that there is no set processing time for new applications or renewals, but it can take around 12 weeks. Local councils process applications for blue badges, set prices and can advise on the expected processing time.
A summary of how to apply for a blue badge is given below. Full details are available on MYGOV.SCOT.
Blue Badge Automatic Qualification
You will automatically be awarded a blue badge in Scotland if you:
- Are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- Are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- Receive PIP and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment
- Receive PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment
- Receive PIP and previously received the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA indefinitely or for life
- Receive PIP, previously received the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is under appeal
- Receive ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity, or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity, or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
- Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- Receive War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Received a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
Other Eligibility Criteria
Unless you automatically qualify, you can still get a blue badge if you meet the following conditions:
- You have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that prevents you from walking at all
- You have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that makes you virtually unable to walk
- You regularly drive and cannot use parking meters due to a severe disability in both arms
- You are responsible for a child under 3 years old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
- You are responsible for a child under 3 years old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried
- You have a mental health condition that affects your awareness of traffic dangers when travelling
How do You Apply for a Blue Badge?
You can apply online at your local council office, and you will need a recent digital photograph of your head and shoulders, which you can take yourself.
You also need a photo or scan of your:
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (e.g. council tax bill or letter from the government) - your local council can also check the electoral register
- Proof of social benefits, if applicable
In addition, you will need to know:
- Your National Insurance number
- Details of your current Blue Badge, if reapplying
Once you have submitted your application, your local council will process it and make a decision.