Free bus pass and transport concessions
You might be entitled to public transport concessions, such as a free bus pass.
If you or your passenger has severe mobility problems, the Blue Badge scheme lets you park closer to your destination than you might otherwise be able to.
A Blue Badge lets you use more accessible parking options, including disabled parking spaces.
If you receive a Blue Badge, only you can use it. This means if someone else is picking you up or dropping you off they'll be able to use it – but you can’t lend it to someone to go and do shopping for you, for example.
If you don't need the badge anymore you have to return it to your local council.
Blue Badge holders are exempt from certain parking restrictions. They're allowed to park:
Some local councils put additional restrictions on Blue Badge holders. You should check with the local council in the area you’re parking in to find out what their rules are. The scheme doesn't apply in certain boroughs in London, which offer their own parking concessions.
Find out more about the Blue Badge criteria on GOV.UK
If you have a terminal illness that means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult, you might qualify for a Blue Badge. You might need an SR1 form, so contact your local council to check.
Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.
You can apply for or renew your Blue Badge online at GOV.UK. Some councils also let you apply on a paper form – contact your local council to check.
Before you apply, make sure you have:
Depending on what you put on the application form, the council may ask you to provide extra information. This could be more information on any medication you take or treatments you receive, and any letters you've received from healthcare professionals. The council may also ask to carry out further assessments to decide if you’re eligible.
Only your local council or GOV.UK can issue you a genuine Blue Badge. Don't use any other ways to apply and if you think you've been scammed you should report it.
Blue Badges usually last for 3 years, and you'll need to reapply before your old one expires as you can't use an expired badge.
You renew your badge the same way you apply for a new one, through the GOV.UK website.
It can take up to 3 months to process your application, depending on your council and whether you need further assessment. It’s best to ask them how long it’s likely to take when you apply.
If your application is refused, your local council should tell you why. If you don’t think all relevant information was considered, you can ask them to reconsider your case.
If your mobility problems get worse, you can reapply.
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
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