Blue Badges: eligibility
When you are eligible for a Blue Badge.
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Remember that anyone using false details or evidence to apply can be fined £5,000.
The Blue Badge scheme enables people who meet the eligibility criteria to maximise their independence by improving their access to services and facilities. They can be the driver or a passenger.
A person does not have to drive to apply for a Blue Badge. The Badge is for an individual and it can be used for any car when that person is a passenger.
An organisation can qualify for a Blue Badge if it both cares for and transports disabled people who would themselves be eligible for an individual Blue Badge.
In Wales there is no charge for a Blue Badge. Websites that charge to apply for a Blue Badge are not genuine providers and should be avoided.
In Wales, an individual can qualify for a Blue Badge in one of the following categories:
Automatic qualification
An individual may be eligible for a badge, without the need for an assessment, if they receive the following disability benefits or have sight impairment.
| Disability benefit or impairment | Satisfactory evidence |
|---|---|
|
An original award letter from the Department of Work and Pensions for one of these benefits.
|
|
An original award letter from the Ministry of Defence.
|
|
One of the following:
|
Discretionary qualification
Certain circumstances might make an individual eligible even though they do not receive the benefits listed. These are:
| Condition, impairment or disability | Satisfactory evidence |
|---|---|
|
Completely unable to walk. Considerable difficulty walking. Substantial impairment to mobility:
|
The local authority will require additional information to support the claim. Applicants should speak to the local authority first about this and not ask their GP for a letter. |
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Child under the age of three who has a medical condition that means:
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A letter from a paediatrician. |
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Severe disability in both arms
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A driving license coded with 40 (adapted steering) or 79 (vehicles with specifications). |
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Severe Cognitive Impairment
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One of the following:
|
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A terminal illness that seriously limits mobility.
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SR1 form or a supporting letter from a Macmillan or Tenovus nurse. |
Temporary qualification
An individual can apply for a temporary 12 month badge if they are recovering from, or awaiting treatment for serious illnesses or injuries. Examples of these are:
| Condition, illness or injury | Satisfactory evidence |
|---|---|
|
Recovering from complex leg fractures, like those managed with external fixators, for periods of well over a year
|
A letter from a healthcare professional involved in the treatment. The local authority will generally refer an applicant for an independent assessment to check they meet the eligibility criteria for a temporary badge. |
The following reasons alone do not make an individual eligible for a Blue Badge:
- pregnancy
- lower Rate Disability Living Allowance
- attendance Allowance
- disability in one arm
- bladder or bowel problems such as Crohn’s or Colitis
- temporary conditions such as limb fractures or sprains that require being in a cast for weeks or months
- treatment for an illness or injury that does not severely impact on mobility.
How to apply for a Blue Badge
You can apply directly through your local authority. Your local authority website has details of the ways you can apply.
You can also apply online: GOV.UK: Apply for a Blue Badge. Your application will then be sent on to your local authority to process.
When an application is rejected
The local authority’s decision on eligibility is final. There is no appeals process. However, if additional evidence is available then an applicant may request that the local authority reconsiders their application.
Welsh Government has no power to intervene in the decision making process if an application is rejected.
Further information
For copies of this leaflet please e-mail us or phone 0300 0604400.