blue badges entitlement

[SnoozingFox]

Mum is on the waiting list for a hip replacement. She needs both done they think, but will prioritise the worst one. She can walk, but her mobility is severely impaired, she hobbles and walks very slowly. It would make her life easier (and people driving her life easier) if she had a blue badge.

Would she be entitled or is it really for people who struggle to walk at all?

My mum's GP insisted she got a blue badge when she was waiting for her first hip replacement and it was honestly a godsend. There is nothing worse than watching someone struggling to walk and in pain.

Anyone who has mobility problems can apply for a Blue Badge.

Out of interest, does your mother claim Attendance Allowance? Although it doesn't have a Mobility Component, disabled pensioners are encouraged to apply.

Thanks @Arlanymor , sounds positive. Especially when the stubborn old bat won't entertain the idea of a walker/stick.

@TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne no she doesn't claim anything. It's not something we've considered up until now to be honest/

I have a stubborn old bat too - I know only too well what it is like! Good luck!

Just googled attendance allowance - we don't have it in Scotland and have something called Pension Age Disability Payment instead. I'm not sure she'd qualify, she is independent and does not need "care" usually. I mean, after her hip replacement she will need help from family for a few weeks at least but not permanent care, if you see what I mean

It's the same thing, just what Social Security Scotland calls it.

You don't have to receive care to qualify. You just have to have trouble getting dressed, turning over in bed, washing yourself and a few other things...... all of which would apply if someone has arthritis.

If arthritis causes difficulties with these things, people do qualify. You'd be surprised.

My mum has just got her blue badge & I thought she’d need a GP letter or something. But the form I completed I was able to provide a lot of details that was enough for them to grant her the blue badge. I would suggest maybe you could refer your mum to social care for an assessment of needs as it adds weight to the need to the badge - a lot of what I added to my mum’s application included social care occupational therapy assessment of needs at home & I was able to confirm she was waiting on getting a stair lift as well. You might not need that, but it’s something extra that can add weight - and the OT can confirm the extent of needs. My mum is also waiting on an adapted bathroom installation from her assessment. This details added to the application can help. But may not be 100% required.

If your mum’s situation is temporary as she’s waiting on an op, and she’ll hopefully regain mobility again afterwards, you can still get a shorter term blue badge. My mum had one about 10 years ago when she broke both ankles & was bed bound for months before being able to slowly walk again, and her blue badge then was for 12 months. She’s now got a 3 year one, as her reduced mobility won’t improve at this point.

good luck, I hope you manage to get it.

Yes, I think she'd only need it for 9 months, she is hoping to get the operation over the summer. She hasn't had a needs assessment, her house is all on the level and not massive. A few years ago before my dad died they had a bit of work done and she has things like a seat in the shower, grab rails.

Just fill in the form and send it in. Mine has been a godsend !

Just apply for it. I know benefits in Scotland have changed over but it is an easier process than the dwp ,ime you don't need to be in receipt of benefits to apply for a blue badge. You can either apply online or get a physical form from your local council.

@TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne is right.

If your mum needs help, Age UK/AgeScotland can help with information about completing these applications. I’m waiting for a knee replacement, I was awarded a blue badge, it has been really useful. I’ve also helped a friend who has real problems with mobility and pain to get one. As people who have never claimed anything, knowing where to start is often an issue.

https://www.agescotland.org.uk/how-we-help

Just apply here

https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

I had never claimed anything but my hairdresser suggested that I apply for a blue badge and I got one but haven't used it yet! I did get attendance allowance with the help of AgeUK.

Gov.uk link is not valid in Scotland. My sibling has applied, given all the details and we'll see what happens!