Do I qualify for a Blue Badge?
If you have severe mobility problems or are registered
blind you may be entitled to a blue badge this allows you to park
in normally restricted areas.
If you receive the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance
mobility component or are registered blind you will automatically
be entitled to be issued with a Blue Badge. If neither of these
apply to you, you are only eligible for a Blue Badge if:
- You have a disability that is permanent and
substantial and
- You can not walk or have considerable difficulty walking
or
- You have a severe disability in both arms to the extent that
you are unable to use a parking meter or
- You are applying for a child aged under three years old who
must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which can not
be carried around without difficulty or
- You are applying for a child aged under three years old who
needs to be kept near a motor vehicle to be given urgent medical
treatment in that vehicle, or driven quickly to a place where
urgent medical treatment can be given
Please note – the rules about eligibility for a Blue
Badge have changed considerably. Even if you have been issued with
a Blue Badge in the past, this does not mean that you will be able
to get one again.
How do I apply for a Blue Badge or renew my badge?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for a Blue Badge is
online via the Directgov website. You can
also apply through Suffolk County Council by
downloading an
application form (PDF, 179Kb) from our
website or requesting one from
Customer First.
Please make sure you read the guidance notes at the end of the
application form carefully before filling it in.
Whether you apply online or by completing an application
form, you will still need to send proof of your address
and identity and the £10 fee to
Customer First. We will also need proof of your DLA award
or blind registration if you are applying on this basis. If you do
not send us all the information that we need with your application
form, your form may be returned to you and there will be a delay in
processing your application.
If you have completed the online form on the Directgov
website please make sure that you also give us the
reference number provided by them so that we can
match your paperwork to your application form.
How long will it take?
All badges with a start date of 1.1.2012 or later will be
processed under a new system. If you send us all the information
that we need with a fully completed application form we are hoping
that you should receive a decision from us within 14 days.
If you are applying for a Blue Badge because your existing Blue
Badge is expiring please send us your fully completed application
form at least three weeks before your existing Blue Badge is due to
expire.
Will I need to send anything else?
You will need to enclose the following along with your completed
application form:
- A recent colour passport-sized photograph
(approximately 3.5cm x 4.5cm or 1" x 11/4") that you have signed on
the back, and on the application form to confirm that it is a true
likeness of you. The photograph must be taken against a light
coloured background and you must be facing the camera. No one else
must appear in the photograph. The photograph must be no more than
three months old. In cases of an unsuccessful application, the
photograph will only be returned if a self-addressed envelope is
enclosed with application form. If you are applying for a Blue
Badge and you are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of less
than six months, you do not need to send us a photograph. A
photograph is also not required if you are an organisation applying
for a Blue Badge.
- A cheque for £10 made out to Suffolk County
Council – If your application for a Blue badge is not
successful your cheque will be returned to you or you will be
issued with a refund. You do not have to pay this fee if you are
terminally ill and have a life expectancy of six months or
less.
When renewing my blue badge can I re-use the photo from the
existing badge?
No, the photo you provide must be no older than three months
old.
My blue badge has been stolen, lost, defaced or faded - what
can I do?
Please complete a
declaration form. You can download it here, or get one from
Customer First. Please also provide a new photograph and another
cheque for £10 made payable to Suffolk County Council. You will
need to provide a lost or stolen property reference number from the
police.
Further information on the Blue Badge scheme is available on the
Directgov and
Department
for Transport websites.