The Blue Badge Blues....

ScottiePam

Hello, new to the forum, new to all this.... :?
Anyone out there been having the fun I had trying to renew my Blue Badge. Under the microscope and paraded about. Refused, but will of course appeal. Any thoughts?

stickywicket

I'm sorry hag13 but I can't help. I get Higher Rate Mobility Allowance (or whatever the latest name change :roll: ) so mine's renewed almost automatically. I'm sure you're not the only one affected though. I think Citizens Advice are the usual port of call for benefits-related things.

By the way - welcome to the forum

villier

Welcome to the forum Hag, I am afraid I don't know either, I am like SW I am on the higher rate of mobility, I am sure there will be someone along that can help or as SW says try CAB they do a great job.

hileena111

Hi Welcome to the forum
I'm not on any rate of mobility
Do have a blue badge.
I renewed it recently and was a bit worried that I wouldn't get it with all the changes but all that happened was some forms to be filled in, and then they got in touch with my GP and asked for my records.....they gave them the necessary records and I got my BB.

Love
Hileena

dreamdaisy

Mine is due to be renewed in March next year but I'm not worried about it as yet. I too am on higher-rate mobility DLA but, once the PIP applies to me things might change. Do you need any walking aids to help you get about? I am reliant on my Clatterator (my very noisy rollator) so hopefully that will stand me in good stead. DD

hileena111

Hi DD
That's what I relied on to help me get it.
Rollator.....and space to get it in and out of the car.

Love
Hileena

DebbieT

Hello & welcome,

My Mum doesn't receive dla/pip etc & just renewed her blue badge. She has OA in her knees. She put on the form that they could contact her GP & she had hers renewed, it took 4-5 weeks.

I'm really sorry uve been refused. It may be worth getting a medical report from ure Rheumatologist & GP. Once you've received them it may be worth applying again including their reports.

Good luck.xxx

sailrib

Hope your renewal goes okay. I've used CAB in the past and have found them useful, fingers crossed you don't actually need them

ScottiePam

thanks folks, one and all
My local council doesn't involve GPs at all, the multi-page form and additional (full) A4 sheet wasn't enough, so I was assessed by an occupational therapist who told me that the chevrons for getting in/out are only a courtesy - seek out and use an end bay, I'm told. :!:
Looking at all your experiences, The procedure seems to vary. I thought it was cast in stone - no Doc's included, you're on your own!
It's when you see the BB slipping from your grasp, that the implications kick in....... Mine goes in 2 days.
I have since been assessed by Physio girls, and rollator is on order. As I'm deteriorating further, I'll be back at GP for X-rays, etc. But whether this will count with the appeal remains to be seen. Watch this space........
The Hag will be back

stickywicket

I hope it goes well, hag.

hileena111

Hope it goes well....and hope you get your rollator and find it as much of a benefit as I do

Love
Hileena

elainebadknee

Hag

This does vary I got mine renewed last year just before I had my new knee replaced. I know there are lots worse off than myself (arfur in knee now gone and dodgy hips) but I filled in the form as honestly as I could and got it back within about 3 weeks....I do intend to give it up in the longer term as I can walk further and am getting stronger, its the getting out of normal spaces I have trouble with, the new knee doesn't allow a complete full bend!...Appeal please..

Elainexx

barbara12

Oh hag they do put people through it ...I do hope you get it....good luck x

frogmorton

Hi there Hag

I am sorry you are about to 'loose' your badge. Things are certainly getting tougher these days :roll:

There seems to be very little consistency from authority to authority

I wish you luck with your appeal

Love

Toni xxx

maria09

Hi
I don't have a blue badge my dad needs one for my mum as she has a severe stroke and is hoisted from bed to wheelchair and back
He needs to get a photo of her but it's proving a bit difficult
I do feel some people do take advantage of the blue badge scheme and maybe that's why they are getting stricter
I get really annoyed with people well one person who abuses her sons badge he has cerebral palsy but he's great he doesn't not need any aids to walk with its his mum that uses it when he's in school and she's out shopping in Sainsburys and there's nothing wrong with her grrrr!
I thought GPs now had no influence over the badge system but I could be wrong
Maria

bubbadog

Hi Hag, I'm sorry your having so much trouble getting a blue badge, these days it's getting harder than it used to be. I think you would really need to have a DLA higher rate to get it smoothly otherwise you would need a referral from your occupational Therapist and G.P in writing I assume :? When you 1st get diagnosed it's a massive mine field to get your head around you've come to the right place, we all help each other as best as we can and support one another. I hope some of this will help you and you get a blue badge soon. Let us know how your getting on and stay in touch, remember any questions you have or just need advice on something all you have to do is post it on here and we will do our best to help you.

ScottiePam

Hello again,
Been a while - delay after delay. Again. Submitted appeal, called for another assessment as OT couldn't decide from four pages of info.
The "wee walk" you have to perform was I am sure less distance than the first time (100m), but the rejection letter quoted this time as 125m. ??
Example of interview - the appeal mentioned driving and subsequent parking problems, she asked me "do you drive?" Words fail me for once.
Hag - persevering. :x

dreamdaisy

One does not have to be a driver to gain a BB. Do you need to use any walking aids? I am 'fortunate' in that I am reliant on crutches or a rollator so I guess that supports my case. I am in the process of applying for my renewal, I have the higher-rate of DLA but, thanks to a broken arm, won't be driving myself anywhere until around April.

BBs are issued for many health conditions (and reasonably so) but I think that for those of us with severe mobility restrictions it should be automatic - I know someone with a BB who constantly rides a bike but somehow has qualified for one which I think is unbelievable; this is why assessments are needed because there are those who will milk 'the system' for they are worth. DD

bubbadog

I don't drive, I use my blue badge in other cars not just my OH's car. I use mainly a wheelchair when I go outside which is not very often! I too are on Higher rate mobility and middle rate car component. They seem to give it automatically if you have DLA and send a copy of it when applying.
I wouldn't give up trying as it's your right to have a BB, you just need to get the support from medical people and hopefully you will get it this time round, fingers crossed!

barbara12

gosh this is awful ..I dont drive but my hubby does so he use the badge for me..I hope this time they see sense...like you say every council is different..good luck..

stickywicket

hag13 wrote:

Submitted appeal, called for another assessment as OT couldn't decide from four pages of info.

I think it's quality not quantity that counts. They need to know certain things and telling them a lot about other things is irrelevant. As lululu recently said on another thread, enlist the help of CAB or DIAL. They know what needs to be dealt with.

hag13 wrote:

the appeal mentioned driving and subsequent parking problems, she asked me "do you drive?" Words fail me for once.

As DD has said, you don't need to drive in order to need a BB. The badge goes with the person not the car and children can have them. Parking problems are relevant whether or not one drives. Good luck!

mellman01

Exactly the same here me dear, I got told I have NO SUBSTANTIAL IMPEDIMENT, WTF!, I was retired on ill health due to OA and neuropathic pain, the young girl who did me was prejudice right off the bat, what medical training have these idiots got?, she missed out half of what I told here and lied about what I said, she also didn't even look at the stuff I took to prove I was retired on ill health. I'm still angry as hell and am actually thinking of starting up a Facebook page to try and get some organised opposition, how they can act like they do beggars the mind, they use aggressive tactic to deliberately cower you into submission, so much for medical evidence and facts, I'm amazed that they can act like they do without anyone challenging them, time to organise, if you think its a good idea I start up a opposition and lobby group let me know and I will get on it. Tyranny reigns when good people do nothing, time to stand and fight, who's with me!?.

ScottiePam

Well, what does it take, really??
If walking with a rollator, in pain, puffed, stopping, staggering, doesn't do it.....
Neverlesstheless, I am re-applying on 1st April. Nuff said.
Meantime I'll "hag" in there.....