Blue Badge
Blue badge information | Do I qualify? | Replacing/renewing a Blue Badge | Supporting documents needed | If I do not have access to a computer and need help to complete the form | Contacting DVLA about your cancer diagnosis | Support for long term mobility problems | Mobility scheme for adapted car or motor scooter
For people who need help completing a blue badge application, we can refer you to the new Macmillan Welfare Benefits service run in conjunction with the Citizens Advice Bureau – please contact the centre on 01206 745347 or call them directly on 0300 3730952.
Direct access to the Blue Badge Form
Click here to go directly to the Blue Badge form on the UK Government website. If you need more information first, please read the below.
Blue Badge
The Blue Badge scheme helps people with severe mobility problems to access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination. The scheme is open to people who travel as a driver or as a passenger.
Do I qualify for a Blue Badge?
Having a cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean you are entitled to a Blue Badge.
To see if you qualify please check the criteria for applying:
www.essex.gov.uk/apply-for-a-blue-badge
When you apply for a Blue Badge online, you will be asked some initial straight forward questions which will then tell you whether you:-
Definitely qualify
Might qualify
Do Not qualify
Depending on the above, you will then be required to complete a further section of the form.
Details about replacing or renewing a Blue Badge
For all details on costs and how to apply, replace or renew a Blue Badge:
Supporting documents needed to apply for a Blue Badge
Do make sure before you complete the form you have scanned and have all the relevant details to hand.
If you cannot scan documents you can complete the form online and say unable to upload, then they will give you details of where to send your ID information in the post.
What you’ll need to have scanned onto your computer:-
A recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
A photo or scan of your:
Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
Proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
Proof of benefits (if you get any)
You’ll also need to know:
Your National Insurance number (if you have one)
The details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re re-applying)
If you do not have access to a computer and need help to complete the form.
If you are not confident in completing the form online and have no one else to help you, you can contact the Blue Badge team and they will ask you the questions over the phone and request you put the relevant details in the post to them. This is likely to slow down the process slightly.
Finding the right team to help you by postcode: www.gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme-information-council
A Blue Badge costs £10 (as of March 2023)
If you are terminally ill (meaning it is “probable” that you have less than 6 months to live) you can request your Nurse Specialist to complete a specific form which can fast track the Blue Badge for you; no documentation, photo or payment is required.
Do you need to inform the DVLA ( Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) about having Cancer?
You are not automatically expected to contact the DVLA just because you have cancer but there are some specific situations when you do. If your type of cancer or the treatment you are receiving may affect your ability to drive then you should check with your doctor to see whether you need to inform the DVLA.
If you are concerned about whether or not you need to inform the DVLA about your cancer diagnosis, you can check the criteria here.
Benefits for people with long term mobility disabilities
If you have a long term mobility issue, you could be entitled to claim certain benefits that would provide you with some additional money to help you with finances. If you would like more information you can contact:
Macmillan Benefits Advice Service on 0345 600 6257 (between 9.30am – 4pm Mon to Fri) or click here.
Mobility Allowance
The Mobility Scheme helps disabled people get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. To be eligible to join the scheme, you need to receive at least one mobility allowance and must have at least 12 months' award length of your allowance remaining. Please click on the link below to view a list of the qualifying mobility allowances.