Blue Badge Questions "please......"

freesia
freesia Member Posts: 409
edited 26. Oct 2012, 17:39 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi there....

I'm thinking of applying for a "bluebadge"

How much do they cost...? and how long do they last for is it a year or 2 or 3....??

And.... does anyone have any advice about the application process... things to say/not say

Many thanks
hugs freesia xxx

Comments

  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi freesia

    I will try and answer your questions as much as I can, I have memory problems at the moment. In my area, near Glasgow, I am quite sure I only paid about £3.50 for the badge and I think it lasts for 3 years, also I think I just told it as it was, but tell it as it is on a bad day, I have a sort of double whammy going on have OA in hands and nerve damage to hands, feet and various parts of my body, I feel it might be different from one area to next, sorry can't be more precise hopefully someone else will come along and pitch in................Marie x
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • helpatpol
    helpatpol Member Posts: 22
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If you follow this link or cop and paste into your browser you will get all the information on the blue badge scheme and how to apply

    http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/MotoringAndTransport/Bluebadgescheme/DG_4001061

    Good luck

    HPP
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Mine costs £2 and lasts for three years. I am 'lucky' in that I need two crutches on a good day (and a rollator on the other days) and I have never had any trouble in qualifying - so far. :? I appreciate mine as it gives me the extra space to maneouvre my sticks / Clatterator in and out of the car when I can find an available space. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • GraceB
    GraceB Member Posts: 1,595
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hiya,

    I live in Kent. Here you have to pay £10 for the Blue Badge, it lasts for 3 yrs. I couldn't manage without mine now.

    When completing the form be brutally honest with yourself about how far you can walk. Here in Kent if you have the higher rate of DLA you automatically get one. If not, it's a case of 'ding, ding, round one!'.

    If you've not got the DLA entitlement, ensure you record on the form any professionals you've seen recently. You may want to tell them you're applying for a blue badge adn ask that if they're approached will they please support you in this?

    Good luck.

    GraceB
    Turn a negative into a positive!
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Fresia

    Most areas now charge £10 in fact the BBC news said the charge was changing some months ago...It is in my opinion well worth it and ive just had mine renewed...

    I would say answer each question as its your worse day and when they ask how many metres can you walk without pain answer "i can walk *** metres in extreme pain".....Its not devious but they are turning down a fair few now....Also when counting the steps you can walk shave a few down...

    I hope you are successful..

    Elainexx
    freesia wrote:
    Hi there....

    I'm thinking of applying for a "bluebadge"

    How much do they cost...? and how long do they last for is it a year or 2 or 3....??

    And.... does anyone have any advice about the application process... things to say/not say

    Many thanks
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    £10 in Derbyshire too, and I agree with Elaine about the form. What's extreme pain anyway; most of us live with pain and put up with more than most people would; if you're in pain whenever you walk, say you can't walk any distance at all without pain if that's the case.

    I got mine with no problem, but many don't so good luck.
  • freesia
    freesia Member Posts: 409
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the "tips" guys & girls....

    I'll let you know if I'm successfull...

    Fingers crossed....x
    hugs freesia xxx
  • Nicchick
    Nicchick Member Posts: 191
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Precisely! Most people wouldn't be functioning on one tablet of tramadol and yet I've just taken my sixth of the day merely to get around :)

    My boyfriend sums it up brilliantly as 'our good days would be a very bad day for somebody who is *normal*'

    My elderly neighbor and friend broke her toe recently and said that she had some idea of how I'm feeling, not quite there but at least she had given it some thought!

    Good luck, hope you get it!

    Nic x
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Mine is due in a months time so heres hoping i get it.
    I've had it 3 years and its a blessing

    Love
    Hileena
  • GraceB
    GraceB Member Posts: 1,595
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Here in Kent if your car has the 'disabled tax' status on it you don't have to pay for the Dartford Tunnel. Mind you, you have to queue for a staffed booth and hang on like grim death to your tax disc before it flies off up/down the M20!

    GraceB
    Turn a negative into a positive!
  • freesia
    freesia Member Posts: 409
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    freesia wrote:
    Thanks for the "tips" guys & girls....

    I'll let you know if I'm successfull...

    Fingers crossed....x


    OMG.....!!

    I got it..... surprised.com.....!!

    I know my knees are bad, but I was expecting abit more of a battle from the council, but NO... filled in the questions, answered a few more questions over the phone (paid £10) and BINGO, a blue badge.... MY GOSH, this will make really make a difference to my life.
    I might actually go out once in a while now, if I can park close to my destination..... phew..... xx :D
    hugs freesia xxx
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Fresia

    Wow that sounded like my first badge quick phone call to local council answer a few questions, send cheque and like you say the badge is yours...Glad you got it in any case!

    Elainexx

    OMG.....!!

    I got it..... surprised.com.....!!

    I know my knees are bad, but I was expecting abit more of a battle from the council, but NO... filled in the questions, answered a few more questions over the phone (paid £10) and BINGO, a blue badge.... MY GOSH, this will make really make a difference to my life.
    I might actually go out once in a while now, if I can park close to my destination..... phew..... xx :D[/quote]
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I saw my GP today about my pain and asked if he would support me in an application for a blue badge. He said the problem he has is the question about the disability being temporary or permanent.

    My OA left knee and TKN are alledgedly temporary so that's the box he would tick.
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Steve

    I dont get this system...To me it sounds as if im fitter than you (hope that sounds okay but you know what I mean) and I got mine renewed couple of weeks back...Im going for TKR next week so wont mine be temporary too? I take it TKN is new knee too, seem to remember you saying you'd had one?

    Elainexx
    SteveBurns wrote:
    I saw my GP today about my pain and asked if he would support me in an application for a blue badge. He said the problem he has is the question about the disability being temporary or permanent.

    My OA left knee and TKN are alledgedly temporary so that's the box he would tick.
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    elaine you are right, I think it depends on lots of things like, who you GP is and how willing they are to assist, the way rules are interpreted, where you live etc.

    I wish you lots of luck with your surgery :)
  • Nicchick
    Nicchick Member Posts: 191
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Inspired by this thread to apply for one and I don't know if it's a universal form or each council has their own but it's so badly set out and worded!

    I'm hoping that they look favourably on me as the DLA claim is taking an age to process - sent it mid August and just keep getting letters saying that they have asked for reports from GP and consultant so are a bit delayed...I decided to apply for blue badge without the award as I'm in such a lot of pain and now also have lower back pain to add to the fun!

    Wish me as much luck and well done!

    Nic x
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Nic

    I think the form is the same as its now based on DWP format now but obviously you pay the fee to your local council.
    I would if I were you go ahead and fill in the form to the best of your ability, can I say be a bit cute about it, what I mean is answer the questions in the same manner they are asked such as one "how far can you walk without being in pain" I answered "I can only walk ---yards/metres in a lot of pain"......
    I wish you all the very best in your DLA and Blue Badge applications...

    Elainex
    Nicchick wrote:
    Inspired by this thread to apply for one and I don't know if it's a universal form or each council has their own but it's so badly set out and worded!

    I'm hoping that they look favourably on me as the DLA claim is taking an age to process - sent it mid August and just keep getting letters saying that they have asked for reports from GP and consultant so are a bit delayed...I decided to apply for blue badge without the award as I'm in such a lot of pain and now also have lower back pain to add to the fun!

    Wish me as much luck and well done!

    Nic x
  • freesia
    freesia Member Posts: 409
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there, after reading some of the answers,

    "I" applied for my BLUE BADGE giving honest answers - reflecting a bad to terribly bad day... I count any good days as a blessing, as I don't get many.... TODAY WAS A BAD ONE :(

    I applied ON-LINE, then had a follow-up phonecall from the council, with a few minor questions about my ability to walk, which is always with a elbow crutch and only about 50 yards or so without pain kicking in terribly, and the fact I have to stop VERY frequently... WHICH IS TOTALLY TRUE...

    My understanding is that "if & when" I eventually get knee replacement surgery, which is a totally unknown date in the future (as I am classed as too young & on a yearly orthopaedic review) that when I do eventually have surgery the council will then view the fact I am now not with a disabilty... and I will then need to 'possibly' surrender my Bluebadge... although in some circumstances you can still hold a blue badge after 2 knee replacements depending on your walking abilities ect ect...

    My GP was fully on my side with the application, which I stated on the form, which I think helped, as My GP said - we simply don't know when you will have surgery it might be weeks / months or many years...?? Because the fact is "I am NOT on a waiting list for a Knee replacement at present"... that is the key...

    I say "go for it...!" it cost me £10 - and the worst they can say is no..

    Good Luck all....xx But remember be Honest...xx
    hugs freesia xxx
  • freesia
    freesia Member Posts: 409
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    P.S....

    I was also informed by the council that "I might" be entitled to DLA....??

    I had no idea about this, but think I might look into it....
    She said it is not means tested and doesn't matter if you are working or not...

    Does anyone else know anything about this...??
    hugs freesia xxx
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Fresia

    I dont know how old you are but im 44 and have had to battle for two years with my knee...Its all about finding a surgeon who can see the situtation you or I or anyone else may be in and not just see a person too young.....
    Plus the thing about it is with me I walk with a straight leg and I dont know if that habit will stay with me after surgery, I hope not but as ive been walking like this for 2 years it may become part of me...In which case id still say I wasnt ever going to walk right so how can they say TKR is a magic wand...Yes its relieves the pain but its major surgery and can take quite some time to recover from...

    Im glad youve got your badge as it makes life just that bit less worriesome!

    Elainexx
    freesia wrote:
    Hi there, after reading some of the answers,

    "I" applied for my BLUE BADGE giving honest answers - reflecting a bad to terribly bad day... I count any good days as a blessing, as I don't get many.... TODAY WAS A BAD ONE :(

    I applied ON-LINE, then had a follow-up phonecall from the council, with a few minor questions about my ability to walk, which is always with a elbow crutch and only about 50 yards or so without pain kicking in terribly, and the fact I have to stop VERY frequently... WHICH IS TOTALLY TRUE...

    My understanding is that "if & when" I eventually get knee replacement surgery, which is a totally unknown date in the future (as I am classed as too young & on a yearly orthopaedic review) that when I do eventually have surgery the council will then view the fact I am now not with a disabilty... and I will then need to 'possibly' surrender my Bluebadge... although in some circumstances you can still hold a blue badge after 2 knee replacements depending on your walking abilities ect ect...

    My GP was fully on my side with the application, which I stated on the form, which I think helped, as My GP said - we simply don't know when you will have surgery it might be weeks / months or many years...?? Because the fact is "I am NOT on a waiting list for a Knee replacement at present"... that is the key...

    I say "go for it...!" it cost me £10 - and the worst they can say is no..

    Good Luck all....xx But remember be Honest...xx
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was also informed by the council that "I might" be entitled to DLA....??

    I had no idea about this, but think I might look into it....
    She said it is not means tested and doesn't matter if you are working or not...

    That is correct. However, it is hard to get and getting harder. The questions are a bit 'sneaky' and most people recommend getting someone like Citizens Advice to help you fill in the forms. I did a lot of internet research and filled it in alone (and I do work) and I got it for a year, so it is possible. Definitely worth a try.
  • lovelylesley
    lovelylesley Member Posts: 1
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, this is my first post so hope im doing right. I have had a Blue Badge for 3 years until 30th June but my local council, Greenwich refused to renew it as due to 'New Dept of Transport Guidelines' the half hour assessment with an occupational therapist I was deemed as being able to walk far enough not to need it! This was all based on being able to walk back to my car! I was having a' good day'. I have sent in a complaint and a first appeal, a letter from my doctor saying i need the blue badge and very detailed accounts of why i need it, all to no avail! I am 57 with one knee replacement since 2007, OA in my knees, feet ankles and fingers which started soon after I had a hysterechtomy in 1998 due to cervical cancer. As you all know , we have good and bad days, and since i havent had my blue badge my quality of life has gone downhill! I have a chance of a second appeal but they have said i have to provided 'evidence' of how my arthritis affects me! Just dont know what to do? So depressed!