How to apply for a Blue Badge
- Sep 23, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 7
Getting a Blue Badge can make everyday life much easier for people with limited mobility or those living with dementia. It allows you to park closer to where you need to go, whether that’s a space at your GP surgery or the nearest bay outside Lidl. The wider spaces also make it easier to open the car door fully, especially if a wheelchair is needed.
However, it is important to be realistic. The current waiting time is listed as 12 weeks, but many Good Company members have reported that it can take longer. Delays often happen when the right documents are not included or further information is requested. Some people have also told us that it feels harder to get a badge than it used to be.
Here is a clear step-by-step guide to help you apply.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You may qualify automatically if you:
Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and score 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ section
Are registered blind or severely sight impaired
Receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
Have a permanent and substantial disability that makes walking very difficult or impossible
Drive regularly and have a severe disability in both arms which makes using parking meters hard or impossible
You may also be eligible if you have difficulty walking, using both arms, or going places because of a mental health condition such as dementia, anxiety or distress. In these cases, you will need more detailed information to show how this affects you.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
To apply for a Blue Badge, you will need:
Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate or driving licence)
Proof of address dated within 12 months (not a mobile phone bill)
Proof of eligibility if you qualify automatically (for example, PIP award letter or certificate of visual impairment)
A letter from a medical professional describing how your condition affects your mobility or cognitive function. Ideally, this should be from a specialist or consultant and should include a clear diagnosis and description of your difficulties
A list of your current medication
Documents from health professionals describing treatment or investigations. These should be no older than 3 years
A recent passport-style photo (you can get these at Morrisons in Crowborough or take one on your phone if it meets the photo guidelines)
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
You can apply online or by post. Many people find the online system hard to use because you have to upload documents. Applying by post may be easier for some.
In the form, you will be asked to describe how your condition affects daily life. This is important. Be honest and specific. Think about your worst day and describe what makes walking or getting out of the house difficult or unsafe.
You might include things like:
How far you or the person you care for can walk without help (steps or minutes)
How long it takes to recover after walking
If uneven ground or steps cause trips or falls
If they struggle to follow road signs or understand safety markings
If they get lost easily or feel confused in new places
If they need extra space to get in or out of the car
If they cannot judge the speed of oncoming traffic or struggle to stay safe near roads
Online Application:
Visit the official Blue Badge application website https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/blue-badges/apply-for-a-blue-badge
Create an account or log in if you already have one.
Follow the instructions to fill out the application form. This will include personal details, information about your disability or health condition, and how it affects your mobility.
Paper Application:
Obtain a paper application form from Crowborough Library with guidance notes.
Fill out the form carefully, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
If you need help filling out the form there are experienced advisers at Citizens Advice or your ESCC Dementia Support Worker or Good Company team.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
If applying online, you can usually upload scanned copies of your documents directly to the application portal. For paper applications, you’ll need to include photocopies of your documents and send the completed form to the address provided.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
East Sussex County Council charges £10 for processing the Blue Badge application, which lasts three years. This can usually be paid online if you’re applying through the internet, or by cheque or postal order if applying by post and is payable on approval.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
It may take several weeks or longer to get a response. In some cases, the council may ask for more information or invite you to a mobility assessment.
Our members suggest applying before you reach crisis point. That way, you are not stuck waiting when the badge is most needed.
Step 7: Receive and Use Your Blue Badge
If successful, your badge will be posted to you. You can use it to:
Park in Blue Badge bays
Park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours (unless signs say no loading)
Park free and for as long as needed in on-street pay and display spaces
Be sure to check the signs when you park. Not all car parks allow free parking with a Blue Badge.
Additional Tips
Always check: Some car parks do charge for parking in disabled spaces, so please always check when you arrive as every car park has its own rules.
Renewal: Blue Badges are typically valid for 3 years. Make sure to renew your badge before it expires to avoid any gaps in your eligibility.
Returns: You need to return the badge to the county council if a renewal badge is issued, expired, badge holder no longer needs it or dies and they will destroy it.
Lost or Stolen Badges: If your badge is lost or destroyed, you need to contact your local council immediately to arrange a replacement. If it’s been stolen you need to report to the police and get a crime reference number as they cannot issue a new one without it and there is a £10 fee for replacement badges.
Misuse: If you use an invalid one, use a friends, use a copied one or use one after the person you care for doesn’t need one then it’s a criminal offence and you could be fined up to £1000.
Complaints: If you are unhappy with the service, you can contact the Adult Social Care Complaints Unit on 01273 481242. However, if you are complaining about an unsuccessful badge application and wish to ask for a review, you need to contact the Blue Badge team directly
Contact information
You can send your application to:
Blue Badge Team, St Mary's House, 52 St Leonard’s Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3UU
Or email bluecarbadges@eastsussex.gov.uk and they will respond within 5 working days.
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