Blue Badge
Apply for a Blue Badge
The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking concessions nationally and across Europe for people with a permanent and substantial disability, whether that person is the driver or a passenger.
A Blue Badge allows you to park:
- in public on-street parking places
- on single or double yellow lines, at times when loading is allowed
- in some private car parks.
To qualify
To automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, you must:
- be registered as blind or severely sight impaired
or be receiving:
- the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance.
- or the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement.
- or benefit under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (within tariff levels 1-8)
or be assessed as scoring:
- at least 8 points in the "Moving Around" portion of the Personal Independence Payment.
- or 12 points in the "Planning and Following Journeys" portion of the Personal Independence Payment.
If you do not meet the criteria above, you may have to attend an independent medical assessment to confirm that you are "unable to walk" or " virtually unable to walk".
Note: IMA assessments have resumed, but there is a backlog due to the recent restrictions. We are working through this as quickly as possible.
The Blue Badge Scheme is extended on a pilot basis to some people who as a result of a diagnosed mental condition, have no awareness of danger from traffic and are likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others. See below for application Form C (you cannot apply online).
Renewals
A Blue Badge cannot be renewed: you must apply for a new one. Please apply at least 6 weeks before your current Blue Badge runs out.
How to apply
We encourage you to apply and pay online. This is the quickest way: applications may take up to 8 weeks, but up to 12 weeks if you need a face to face assessment.
Paper applications
Download and print forms below, or collect them from your local library.
There are different application forms for a Blue Badge:
Use application form (Automatic) if you receive:
- the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PiP) and receive:
- either 8 points or more in the 'Moving Around' activity
- or 12 points in the 'Planning and Following a Journey' activity.
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) scheme within tariff levels 1-8 (inclusive)
- or you are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
- the enhanced mobility component of Adult Disability Payment, 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.
- the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment.
Use application form (subject to further assessment) if you:
- don't receive any of the benefits listed above
- are not registered blind (severely sight impaired)
- are unable to walk, or virtually unable to walk.
Use the linked application forms if you:
Application form (risk in traffic) is for anyone with a diagnosed mental disorder and/or cognitive impairment. Only those most in need will be eligible. This is defined as:
- People, who as a result of a diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment, have no awareness of danger from traffic and are likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others.
Send your paper application to:
Blue Badges
Midlothian Council
Midlothian House
Buccleuch Street
Dalkeith EH22 1DN
Or hand it in to any Midlothian library.
Send it with:
- 1 passport-style photograph
- Proof or address and ID
- Any supporting documents
Organisations
Organisations wishing to apply for a group Blue Badge should apply online and ensure they answer all the assessment questions.
Payment
There is a £20 fee for a Blue Badge. After we receive your application, we will call you for payment by credit/debit card. Do not send cash.
Get help to apply
If you need help to complete the form contact the local Citizens Advice Bureau.
For general advice on Blue Badges call the Blue Badge section on 0131 561 5455.