How is this correct

You don't have to be on benefits to qualify for a blue badge but it's worth checking out whether the lady qualifies for Attendance Allowance given her age and frailty. This will open doors for them.

I used to process blue badges. She would qualify if she can't walk far, usually the criteria is less than 100 yards check the qualifying criteria on the local council BB website.

Beechnut

The fifty metres baffle me. Is that with a walking stick or other aid? I’m sure I walk more than the fifty going around a supermarket but am grateful for the trolley.

I agree - it doesn’t make much sense does it? If you can’t walk more than 50m there is no point in going anywhere in the car - because you won’t be able to do anything when you get there. The BB parking at our hospital is at least 50yds from the entrance to the building.

I think it’s intended to deter people from applying. DM is 92 - she doesn’t need/qualify for a badge yet. But that time is coming. She has no specific health conditions apart from advanced age. The system doesn’t seem to allow for that.

I think by benefits he is perhaps thinking she needs to have pip mobility or attendance allowance.. At her age it would be attendance allowance, not pip. Whilst receipt of attendance allowance strengthens the claim by showing there is a disability, they are separate claims and you don't have to be in receipt of AA. Might be worth checking if she is eligible though.

Lahlah65

Beechnut

The fifty metres baffle me. Is that with a walking stick or other aid? I’m sure I walk more than the fifty going around a supermarket but am grateful for the trolley.

I agree - it doesn’t make much sense does it? If you can’t walk more than 50m there is no point in going anywhere in the car - because you won’t be able to do anything when you get there. The BB parking at our hospital is at least 50yds from the entrance to the building.

I think it’s intended to deter people from applying. DM is 92 - she doesn’t need/qualify for a badge yet. But that time is coming. She has no specific health conditions apart from advanced age. The system doesn’t seem to allow for that.

Yes, it does make sense because the holder of the Blue Badge does not have to be the driver.
Even if someone cannot walk does not mean thry should be housebound. If they cannot actually drive then someone else could take them out and having a Blue Badge means they can park nearer their destination (usually), the spaces are wider and there is room to get out of the vehicle, retrieve a wheelchair or walking aid without having to do this in the way of moving vehicles.

If they are still driving, they may need extra room to get out of the car and take out a walking aid safely, if needed.

Even if they do not need a walking aid, they may still need to park as near to the destination as possible.

If you can’t walk more than 50m there is no point in going anywhere in the car - because you won’t be able to do anything when you get there.

I am still astonished by that statement!

I’m with you Allira but I can think of a couple of comments that wouldn’t be appropriate here!

Are you in the 21st century Lahlah65? Try telling DD2 who drives and has a Blue Badge, but can’t really walk at all, that it’s pointless going anywhere! She had her 42nd trip to New York in July.

Well done to your DD Georgesgran.
And to everyone who is determined to overcome the odds but needs that bit of extra help and consideration.

I'm still astonished by some of the questions DH had to answer when he applied for a blue badge, then was told he wasn't eligible because he could dress himself and could get himself a meal if necessary. 🤔
What that has to do with parking near the entrance to a shop or hospital I do not know.

truman

My mother is 96 and my brother is her carer. She is on quiet a few pills for various things. She cannot walk far without getting out of breath. My brother has looked into getting a Blue Badge for the car so if she has to go to the doctors or hospital he can park nearer. He has looked into the criteria for getting a BB but she is not on the benefits listed to qualify. Why on earth does a very frail old lady have to be on benefits to get a BB when other people get everything!

You do not have to be on benefits to get a Blue Badge. Apply using her worst days as a guide to filling in the form. The worst days are the days she will need it.

Yesterday 22:17Allira

If you can’t walk more than 50m there is no point in going anywhere in the car - because you won’t be able to do anything when you get there.

I am still astonished by that statement!

Me too

The 50 metres is part of the PIP entitlement rules set out by government. Without PIP, one of the eligibility rules for a badge is that the person cannot walk at all ( so someone eg in a wheelchair can still get out and not be a prisoner in their home) or needs a walking aid of some sort, even if that is just another person supporting them walking. If sarahr still needs help completing the firm, I can help. Offer there for anyone else that may be struggling. Some authorities will complete an application over the phone but as it's very long winded, encourage online applications.

I really think enlisting the help of a local Councillor would be a good idea.
Sometimes the person making the decisions at County Hall just looks at the tick list and cannot make an considered decision.