Blue Badge delays

Jurph

Hi!

I applied for a Blue Badge on the 7th September. The online checker said they'd received my forms and evidence on the 20th September.

I've heard nothing. My council says the process takes up to 8 weeks. That 8 weeks was last Friday if counted from when they got my forms (and 10 from me applying).

I know I don't automatically qualify so I've been expecting an assessment. When I call, they just tell me it's with the 'assessment team'.

Is there anything I can do? 

poppy123456

Hi,

I'm afraid all you can do is wait. Blue badge awards are part of local councils and all local councils are different. At a guess the delay is backlogs but as with anything else, there's no timescales and the "up to 8 weeks" is nothing more than a guide.

Chloe_Alumni

This must be very frustrating @Jurph! I really hope you don't have to wait much longer.

Jurph

Thanks @Chloe_Scope

I still haven't heard anything. It's frustrating when I can't get an answer.

Chloe_Alumni

I can imagine @Jurph! You'll just want the answer now. Did you have a good weekend?

notsureifiqualify

How do I qualify for a blue badge
I am on pips and previously on DLA 
If I find it difficult to walk distances

poppy123456

notsureifiqualify said:

How do I qualify for a blue badge
I am on pips and previously on DLA 
If I find it difficult to walk distances

To automatically qualify for a blue badge you need to be claiming the mobility part of PIP and you either need to have scored at least 8 points in the moving arounf part of mobility. OR scored 10 points for following and planning a journey in descriptor E.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/help-for-disabled-travellers1/blue-badge-scheme/applying-for-a-blue-badge/

If you none of those apply then you'll need to see your local councils criteria and apply with evidence.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

Jurph

Chloe_Scope said:

I can imagine @Jurph! You'll just want the answer now. Did you have a good weekend?

Not too bad thanks! Quiet but needed after a busy week.

Chloe_Alumni

Sometimes a quiet weekend is just what you need! Hope this week goes well.

Welcome to the community @notsureifiqualify! Please do let us know if we can do anything else to help.

Jurph

I got an email update today! The first I've had since they received my application 12 weeks ago.

And... it's with the assessment team 

Chloe_Alumni

That must be annoying @Jurph! Is it to arrange an appointment?

poppy123456

I believe it's standard procedure with most local councils to assess you if you don't automatically qualify.

Jurph

I'm expecting an assessment, I don't automatically qualify.

I'm just finding it irritating that everytime I've called over the last 4 weeks, they've said it's with the assessment team.

The very first email update I've been sent in 12 weeks just says the same thing... 'with the assessment team'. Either the people on the phone were having me on or the automatic email is 4 weeks late.

Jurph

They've finally booked me an assessment in just before Christmas. Just under 4 months since I applied.

Chloe_Alumni

I'm glad you have been given a date @Jurph, I really hope it goes okay and please do let us know.

Jurph

I had my assessment today. Seemed to go well, she was nice.

Fingers crossed. I'll probably hear in the new year.

Adrian_Scope

Best of luck @Jurph. I hope it doesn't take too long for you to hear.

Chloe_Alumni

Fingers crossed for you @Jurph! I hope you have a lovely Christmas.

Jurph

I got it!

Got an email this morning saying it had been accepted and issued. 10 working days for delivery so it won't arrive for a while. What a relief!

Chloe_Alumni

Amazing news @Jurph! I bet that's a huge relief

Adrian_Scope

That's brilliant news @Jurph! I'm very pleased for you.