The blue badge parking scheme has been extended to include people with ‘hidden disabilities’. The new scheme criteria will not be condition-specific; the presence of a non-physical condition will not, in itself, imply eligibility. The applicant will need to show what affects them taking a journey between a vehicle and their destination.
The new blue badge scheme criteria will extend eligibility to people who:
- cannot undertake a journey without there being a risk of serious harm to their health or safety, or that of any other person
- cannot undertake a journey without it causing them considerable psychological distress
- have very considerable difficulty when walking (both the physical act and experience of walking)
In summary, anyone in receipt of PIP, and scores specifically 10 points under the “planning and following a journey” activity of the mobility component and have been awarded this because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to them should apply for a blue badge. The eligibility criteria, however, can seem quite complex, so we have produced some FAQs to help anyone considering applying for a blue badge on grounds of ‘hidden disabilities’.
I have a hidden disability. Should I apply for a blue badge?
Not all hidden disabilities will qualify for a badge. The new scheme criteria will not be condition-specific; the presence of a non-physical condition will not, in itself, imply eligibility. Your hidden disability will need to severely impact on you being able to take a journey between your vehicle and your destination. This means you may experience considerable physiological distress or be at risk of serious harm when walking, or pose a risk of serious harm to any other person.
I’m in receipt of 10 PIP points for my hidden disability. Why am I not automatically eligible?
Only people who have been awarded their points because it would cause them overwhelming psychological distress are automatically entitled to a blue badge under the new guidance form the Department for Transport.
Your award letter will describe the barriers you face that are associated with mental, cognitive or sensory abilities when making a journey. If your 10 points have been award because you cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey with another person, assistance dog or orientation, you will not qualify automatically. You can still apply, but we’ll need to ask you some questions first to check if hidden disability will severely impact on you being able to take a journey between your vehicle and your destination.
I was told that anyone with a hidden disability would be eligible for a blue badge.
There was a lot of publicity when the government announced that people with hidden disabilities would be able to apply for a blue badge in 2019. However, there was not much guidance around what kind of hidden disability would qualify until recently.
Now the guidance has been published, it is clear that the new scheme criteria will not be condition-specific; the presence of a non-physical condition will not, in itself, imply eligibility. The applicant will need to show what affects them taking a journey between a vehicle and their destination. Only those who are most vulnerable as a result form their hidden disability that may be eligible for a blue badge under this eligibility.
I have a severe hidden disability but my application has been rejected. Why?
The primary benefit for a blue badge holder is the ability to park close to where they want to be. If this will not assist an applicant with the difficulties they experience, then a local authority may consider this in their decision making.
My Health Professional or Support Worker recommended I apply, but my application has been rejected. Why?
The local authority, North Yorkshire Council, has the final decision when it comes to deciding if a person meets the blue badge eligibility criteria. They have guidelines to follow and need to ensure the integrity of the scheme is maintained.
If your application has been rejected, you have the right to appeal to your Local Government Ombudsman. You can phone or write.
They’ll take another look at your application, and decide whether your council made the wrong decision.
The Local Government Ombudsman
PO Box 4771
Coventry
CV4 0EH
Tel: 0300 061 0614
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, closed weekends. Calls cost 12p per minute from a landline, and from 3p to 45p from a mobile.