Blue Badge Renewals

[Ann]

My 90 (in Feb) year old Mum got her renewal documents today for her blue badge due to be renewed in February. She says she has an unbelievable 23 double sided sheet questionnaire to fill in and return by 4 January!!

Have the rules changed? Surely they must realise that someone this grand age a) will struggle to fill in this huge document without help
b) will need a blue badge anyway due to their age. My Mum can walk in a supermarket as long as she holds onto a trolley but struggles to walk very far even with the aid of a walking stick.

But I do agree with sifting out those who are swinging the system.

[hc4361]

Yes, the rules have changed but I can't agree every 90 year old is entitled to a Blue Badge.

However, she should telephone them and ask for an extension on returning the form. A week is not enough. Can you help her to fill it in?

[237SJ]

I renewed my Mum`s blue badge when she transferred from one local authority to another (200 miles away) and there weren`t that many questions. I would think there will be a majority of questions that she doesn`t need to answer( for example - Question 5 - if the answer is No, move to question 20) I don`t think she will have a problem as far as the renewal is concerned.

[Jan1957]

It is not as complicated as it seems but yes, they are being a bit more strict. You only have to provide the documents they want once, due to the changes, but I also understand why. I'm only 56 but can't walk round a supermarket, in fact I can't walk to the end of my road!

[237SJ]

BTW - are you sure you/her read the dates correctly? A cut-off date of 4 January seems a bit premature if the badge expires in February.

[THECORBYLOON]

You have to allow for the time it takes for the application to be processed once received, otherwise the new badge may not be received before the current one expires.

[Ann]

Yes hc, I am going to have to help her fill it in. I haven't seen it yet, but I would think there are lots of questions which are not applicable. It just seemed like a daunting task to her and she panicked and rang me immediately. She also needs lots of photocopies of official documents to send away with it. I shall be a bit annoyed if the cut off date IS 4 January (as she says it tells herin the letter) ....... no time at all with New Year in between .....

[waterboatman]

It looks intimidating Ann, but the rules have changed and it is to help prevent fraud and illegal use. Also the new Blue Badge has been updated and can be read by cameras.

While the new form looks intimidating, once you start on it it is quite straightforward and quite easy. Once all the new information asked for is on the computer, it will be easier next time.

I renewed mine this year. You will see a lot of differences when it arrives. The old cardboard time clock is now plastic and easier to use.

I hope this helps.

[paddywak]

I too renewed my badge last year and would recommend you get everything done ASAP, despite re-applying around 12 weeks before the due date I did not receive the new one until four weeks after the expiry date.

[furrypusscat]

If she applied and was entitled to the Mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance prior to her 66th birthday and is still in receipt of this, she just has to produce her annual entitlement letter and then skips through a lot of questions. If she doesn't receive mobility allowance then most of the form will apply. There is a charge now but the fee is not normally required until they ask for it, ie once it has been decided that she is entitled. I believe most authorities charge £10.

[EDDIE51]

we have just renewed my wifes badge, most of the questions are for a first time application. To renew a badge you skip most of them and just fill in the bit that says 'No change'