Extended PIP but blue badge about to end

wonkydaze

Hi, a few years ago I got a letter telling me my PIP award had been extended until July 25. My blue badge runs out in October. My local authority needs a year long award before they'll issue a blue badge, so I've messed up by not getting in touch early enough. What is the actual blue badge assessment like? If I don't apply through the PIP award.

TomZee

I obtained my blue badge before gaining PIP. I based my online application on my PIP statements and evidence I was about to submit. The criteria was less strict and no assessment meeting was needed. Remember, like PIP, you have to focus on what they are asking for. If you have the info for PIP you should be ok.

OverlyAnxious

Blue Badges are awarded by local authorities so the process varies across the country. Personally I had a good experience with it in my area, including reasonable adjustments being made for my conditions. But I have read some areas being more awkward.

poppy123456

I've never heard of any local Authority wanting at least a whole year on a PIP award if you automatically qualify. That seems rather odd to me.

My BB ended in June this year and I needed to wait for my PIP extension letter to arrive before I could renew it. I was expecting the new BB to end a year later in line with my PIP award but they gave me the BB for 3 years instead, which I was very happy about.

wonkydaze

Thank you for replying. I should probably have just applied directly to the LA but I sent off my PIP award extension letter and PIP award info. The process all seemed a lot more straightforward than I remembered. I definitely read something about deadlines previously but that wasn't in the online application, maybe it was for the date on evidence letters. I'll keep my fingers crossed that they'll renew for another 3 years but I'll wait and see if they accept what I've submitted. Good luck to anyone else applying.

wonkydaze

I wanted to update that I have received my blue badge renewal and the award is for 3 years. I didn't know that this was an option so I'm absolutely thrilled. I didn't reapply for a bus pass because I didn't think they'd award it again so I might look into that but I need to fill in my PIP review now!