Individual blue badges

Individual eligibility for the scheme is outlined below.

1. Blue badges are normally issued for up to three years and you will be suitable if:

You receive the higher rate of the moblity component of the Disability Living Allowance *
You are registered blind
You receive a War Pensioner's mobility supplement

* If your eligibility for the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance is for less than three years, then your blue badge expiry date will be when your Disabililty Living Allowance ends.

If you qualify through one of the above, you will get a blue badge automatically on application.

2. You may also be suitable for a badge if you are two years old or over and:

Drive a motor vehicle regularly
Have a severe disability in both arms
Are unable to operate parking meters
Have a permanent and sustainable disability

3. In addition, children under the age of two may now be eligible for a blue badge if they:

Have a condition where they need to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment, which is difficult to carry round
Have a condition where they need quick access to a motor vehicle, so that they can be treated in the vehicle, or taken quickly somewhere they can be treated

For children under two years of age, the blue badge will be issued for a maximum of two years, and will automatically expire on their third birthday. If a badge is still required after the child reaches the age of three, an application will be considered under the automatic or assessed criteria.