Full list of people who automatically qualify for Blue Badge scheme

If you have a physical disability or health condition that affects your ability to walk safely, or suffer from an invisible condition such as dementia or Parkinson's, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge to help you park closer to your destination. A Blue Badge holder travelling as either a driver or passenger can park free of charge in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from certain parking restrictions.

There are currently more than 235,700 Blue Badge holders residing in Scotland, and in many cases, people will automatically qualify for the £20 parking permit. An estimated three million people also benefit from the scheme in England and Wales. This includes those in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), reports Daily Record.

The Government has published a comprehensive list of circumstances which could allow people with mobility difficulties, or parents caring for a disabled child, to qualify for a Blue Badge without requiring a mobility assessment.

Applications for a Blue Badge can be submitted online, however guidance advises that those with a mental health condition should contact their local council directly, as an assessment may be necessary.

It states: "If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council's Blue Badge team for a paper application form." The guidance also states that individuals who do not automatically qualify for the Blue Badge scheme may require a mobility assessment and consultation with a healthcare professional.

It's also worth noting that there is no fixed processing time for new applications or Blue Badge renewals and it can take around 12 weeks - though it's typically around 10 working days. Your local council handles Blue Badge applications and determines the cost - they will also be able to provide guidance on likely processing times.

Below is a brief overview of the Blue Badge application process. Full details can be found on here.

Blue Badge automatic qualification

You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if you:

• are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
• are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
• get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
• get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment
• get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment
• get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
• get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
• get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
• get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
• get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability

Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge

If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge under certain circumstances, if you:

• have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
• have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you're virtually unable to walk
• regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
• are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
• are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
• have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys

Your Blue Badge entitles you to park in certain restricted areas free of charge, including:

• at on-street parking meters
• in pay and display bays
• in disabled parking spaces
• on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions

Using your badge in other parts of the UK

You can use your Blue Badge in most other countries. If you're using your Blue Badge in England or Wales you will need to use a parking clock - this comes with your Blue Badge.

The Timer Clock is a plastic dial with hands that can be adjusted to show the time of parking arrival.

What do I need to apply?

Applications are made online to your local council and you’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself.

You will also need 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 - you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead
• proof of benefits - if you get any

You will also need to know:

• your National Insurance number
• the details of your current Blue Badge - if you’re reapplying

Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.