More than 235,700 people in Scotland currently hold a Blue Badge, and many automatically qualify for the £20 parking permit without needing a mobility assessment. An estimated three million people benefit from the scheme in England and Wales.
Automatic qualification applies to those on the higher level of the mobility rate for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The Scottish Government has published a comprehensive list of circumstances that could see people with walking issues or parents caring for a disabled child qualify without an assessment.
Automatic qualification criteria
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 DLA
- get 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 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 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 for a Blue Badge 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.”
Where you can park and how to apply
You can use your Blue Badge to park for free in certain restricted areas, including at on-street parking meters, in pay and display bays, in disabled parking spaces, and on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions. You can also use your badge in most other countries; if using it in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock, which comes with your badge.
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.
To apply, you will need a recent digital photo of your head and shoulders, 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), proof of benefits if you get any, your National Insurance number, and 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.
