Blue badge is it a good idea?

mellman01

If I put in for a blue badge and get it does that mean I will be classed as disabled or is that done some other way?, I ask as I’m worried that it will effect my employability once I do, the problem is I am going to be made redundant in just under 3 years if Greenpeace get their way and I’m not sure what to do.

frogmorton

Hi Mellman
I don't think it will make any diference. I don't think it's relevant as such it's not like a benefit is it? So the Tax office don't know...you do not have to pay road tax if you get it though and it might make a real diference to your independance if you get out more coz you have it.
I know who would know....Joseph (Livinglegend) if you don't get a fuller answer I should pm him?
Toni x

moogiemouse1

Hi

The Blue Badge Scheme is a seperate thing from the Disability Register - I have just received my new Blue Badge and was told I had to apply seperately to be 'Registered Disabled'.

joyful164

moogiemouse1 wrote:

Hi

The Blue Badge Scheme is a seperate thing from the Disability Register - I have just received my new Blue Badge and was told I had to apply seperately to be 'Registered Disabled'.

I've had my blue badge now for about 5 years. I got mine when it was thought I only had gout and had difficulty walking with it.
So, I've had it renewed again and this one goes to 2015.
Thanks for the information about applying to be Registered Disabled. I have read through the information and feel that, at this moment in time, I am not ready.
thanks
Joy

carol101

Hi, i may be wrong here but i'm sure i've read on the internet that once you are diagnosed with arthritis, as far as employment is concered, you are automatically deemed disabled although to the 'outside' world you are not.

My Dad is currently fighting prostate cancer and workwise he is treated as disabled although nothing 'appears' to be wrong with him.

Carol X

wallysatt

I've had arthritis for 20 years and I haven't got a clue what being registered disabled actually means. To be honest I don't think it actually does anything; we’ve looked into it many times and can’t find much information about it.

As someone has said having a blue badge doesn't label you as disabled, that's a label you give either give yourself or others give to you.

If you feel you need a badge then get one, please don’t struggle along just because you don’t want a label. No one looks at you or treats you any differently.

Sally.

livinglegend

mellman01 wrote:

If I put in for a blue badge and get it does that mean I will be classed as disabled or is that done some other way?, I ask as I’m worried that it will effect my employability once I do, the problem is I am going to be made redundant in just under 3 years if Greenpeace get their way and I’m not sure what to do.

You are likely to be classed as disabled if your disability:
Has a major, long term effect on you and means you need assistance or special arrangements to do normal day-to-day things, (for example, eating, washing, walking or going shopping). However, if you are employed then you have additional rights under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act. Basically, companies cannot pick on you just because you are disabled and they should help you to cope with your disability. It is far more complicated than just a few sentences here. JobcentrePlus should be able to answer any specific queries.

Full information on getting a Blue Badge is online at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/Bluebadgescheme/DG_181208 About halfway down the page is a paragraph entitled, 'How to apply for a Blue Badge' which takes you to another page where you can identify the appropriate local authority, i.e. Which council to apply to as they are issued locally.

You may be entitled to a free tax disc if you're a disabled person who gets the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance. But, (there is always a But,) the vehicle must only be used for your purposes, for example shopping or getting prescriptions. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/Yourvehicleandlicence/DG_10028003


It would certainly be helpful to others if you would keep us informed of what happens with any applications.

Joseph 8)
Thank you for the confidence, Toni. I think?

trisher

Hi Mellman

You do get other perks with it too. When I was out looking for a new bed, because of my disabilities, they asked me if I had a blue badge, when I said yes, they told me to bring it in, which I did they took down the number and I had the VAT taken off it. Just have the badge with you. It saved me £600 all together

It does not interfere with other benefits you get. It does make life easier for you in respect of parking on yellow lines, disabled spaces.
It does depend where you go.
ALWAYS read the parking signs as to how long you can park there for as some places will only let park for 2 -3 hours on a disabled place while othere let you stay as long as you like.

You have the badge given to you for 3 years, then you should apply for a new one 6 weeks before it expires.

trisher x

markc1

Go for it...you will find it very useful.I only use it on . rare occassions when my symptoms are bad otherwise i park normally in car parks etc. you have a disability and your entitled to have it.

mellman01

Thanks peeps you are a good bunch, I'm goin to see my GP about it as soon as I can dig up enough Enthusiasm to go.

sharmaine

Hi
As far as I'm aware having a blue badge doesn't classify you as being disabled. I think there used to be another classification for that done by the Social Services - not sure. I'm sure someone else will tell you. Last year I made some enquiries but others things came up and I didn't pursue it.

Aren't employers obligated to hire disabled people? I suppose it depends on what the job entails.

I find my blue badge useful especially when I have to nip into town.
I have trouble walking and being able to park nearer to the shops and in a wider than average space has made a real difference.

Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi Toni

I didn't know that you were exempt from road tax if you had a blue badge. I've only had my badge since last June (road tax due in April). Could you explain how this works?

Sharmaine

wallysatt

I thought not paying road tax was to do with DLA but I may be wrong. I have a motability car and I don’t pay road tax.

You are also VAT exempt on things that you use for you disability for instance I didn’t pay any VAT on my scooter or my rise and recline chair, special cutlery, grabbers, sock putter on aid thing. Any item that you may use to help you with everyday life.

I’ve just found this info on the directgov website. Hope it helps.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/Yourvehicleandlicence/DG_10028003

and

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Taxreliefandreductions/DG_10028495

livinglegend

sharmaine wrote:

Hi Toni

I didn't know that you were exempt from road tax if you had a blue badge. I've only had my badge since last June (road tax due in April). Could you explain how this works?
Sharmaine

Hi sharmaine, just jumping in with the info.

If you're a disabled person who gets the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners Mobility Supplement or have an invalid carriage, then you may be entitled to free road tax.

If you have a Disability car then they claim it on your behalf. If not, then you can claim it yourself by contacting the Disability Living Allowance Unit and ask for exemption certificate DLA 404.

Link information is on my previous post above.

Joseph 8)

sharmaine

Hi
When you fill in your application take it to your GP. Don't forget to include the passport size photos.

Your GP sends everything off - I think they get a fee for doing this.

Sharmaine


quote="sharmaine"]Hi
As far as I'm aware having a blue badge doesn't classify you as being disabled. I think there used to be another classification for that done by the Social Services - not sure. I'm sure someone else will tell you. Last year I made some enquiries but others things came up and I didn't pursue it.

Aren't employers obligated to hire disabled people? I suppose it depends on what the job entails.

I find my blue badge useful especially when I have to nip into town.
I have trouble walking and being able to park nearer to the shops and in a wider than average space has made a real difference.

Sharmaine[/quote]