More than 235,700 people in Scotland hold a Blue Badge, and many qualify automatically for the £20 parking permit without needing a mobility assessment. The Scottish Government has published a list of circumstances that can lead to automatic qualification, covering people with walking difficulties and parents caring for a disabled child.
Who qualifies automatically
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you:
- are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment
- get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment
- get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
- get Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
Other circumstances that may qualify
If you are not automatically eligible, you may still get a Blue Badge under certain circumstances, including if you:
- have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
- have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you're virtually unable to walk
- regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
- are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
- have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys
Applications can be made online, but the guidance advises that people with a mental condition need to contact their local council directly, as they may need an assessment. It states: “If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form.”
How to apply and what you need
Those who do not automatically qualify may need a mobility assessment and a meeting with a healthcare professional. There is no set processing time for new applications or renewals; it can take around 12 weeks but is usually around 10 working days. Your local council processes applications and sets the price.
Applications are made online to your local council. You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders, which you can take yourself. You also need a photo or scan of your proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence), proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter, or you can choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead), and proof of benefits if you get any. You will also need your National Insurance number and the details of your current Blue Badge if you're reapplying.
Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.
