Blue badge scheme - Who is eligible for a badge?

You can apply for a blue badge if you live in Derbyshire.  If you live within the boundary of Derby City Council then your application should be made directly to them. 

Automatic criteria
The Department for Transport's guidelines for the Blue Badge Scheme state that you automatically qualify and can supply evidence for a badge if:

  • you are registered blind under the National Assistance Act 1948 (partially sighted does not qualify);
  • you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (Attendance Allowance does not qualify);
  • your vehicle was supplied by the Department of Social Security, the Scottish Home and Health Department or the Welsh Office;
  • you receive a Government grant towards your vehicle;
  • you receive a War Pensioner's Mobility supplement.  

Discretionary criteria
If you do not qualify under the automatic criteria you may be able to apply under the discretionary criteria.  You may qualify under the discretionary criteria:

  • if your disability is permanent and substantial and causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking;
  • if you drive regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating all or some types of parking metre.

When applying under the discretionary criteria, you will need to take the blue badge application form to your doctor for them to verify your eligibility for a badge.  

Not covered by the scheme
The scheme is only intended for very severely disabled people and does not allow for badges to be issued:

  • if you have a temporary disability such as a broken leg or are awaiting a hip replacement;
  • if you suffer from a psychological disorder, unless your condition causes very severe difficulty in walking;
  • if your problem is with carrying shopping, etc;
  • if your condition is intermittent and does not continuously severely restrict your ability to walk.  

Organisational badges
Organisations can apply for an Organisational Blue Badge if they can confirm that they care for an adequate number of disabled people who meet the individual eligibility criteria and also demonstrate that there is a need for the organisation to have a badge in its own right.  Find out more on the organisational badges page.

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