Hi, my name is Shelly118! PIP assessor asked if I have a blue badge

Shelly118

I had my pip assessment yesterday and I am confused as to why the assessor asked if I had a blue badge or not, I said no because I don't have one and aren't eligible for one and they said we will see what could it mean?

poppy123456

HI,

They do sometimes ask questions which may seem totally unrelated to anything but they ask them to try to get a picture of how your conditions affect you. It's all part of the PIP assessment, which is to gather more evidence.  You don't need a PIP/DLA mobility award to be entitled to a blue badge. Lots of people have them even without a disability benefit award.

Shelly118

I looked online yesterday hun and you do now need pip or dla to get a blue badge they're trying to trial a new system or something I was looking for some information on blue badges for my sister to as her son has special needs 

poppy123456

This is not correct if you're living in England. Although all local councils have their own criteria outside of automatically qualifying. Local councils will also have a criteria for those that don't claim a disability benefit.

I have no idea what "trial" you're talking about. Do you have a link to confirm this please?

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

This was taken from the above link.

If you're not automatically eligible

You can still get a badge if:

• you have long term problems walking or going to places - including problems caused by stress, anxiety or other mental health issues
• you have severe problems using both your arms
• you're applying on behalf of a child aged over 2 who has problems walking or going to places, or a child under 3 who needs to be close to a vehicle because of a health condition
  

Shelly118

Shelly118

I'm not arguing over anything just wondered why she asked and also so I can help my sister 

poppy123456

That's the criteria for automatically qualifying. You can still apply for a BB even if you don't automatically qualify. You just send evidence to support your claim but an assessment maybe needed.

The automactic qualification for those that claim a disability benefit is the same accross England. To know the criteria outside of this you'll need to look at your local councils website, which can be found through this link. https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

Reg

I would not be put off from applying as I rang my local authority help line and they told me what to put on the online form and I got a BB granted within two days with no medical evidence or assessment. I had not applied for one for years as I assumed I would be refused as I don't get any benefits and only have mild CP and walk with a crutch - my local authority phone line could 
not have been more helpful 

Shelly118

Thankyou I just wondered why they brought it up whilst I was having my pip assessment and was lead to believe I couldn't get one and am also trying to help my  sister I will look into it