The Blue Badge scheme runs throughout the UK and allows people who are registered severely sight impaired, or those with severe mobility issues, easier access to public facilities by allowing them to park nearer to where they need to go.

The rules and criteria are set at national level by the Government, but local authorities are responsible for managing the scheme in their area. Milton Keynes Council is responsible for administering the scheme, assessment of applications and enforcement for residents and organisations in Milton Keynes.

Am I eligible for a Blue Badge?

There are three types of eligibility criteria:

1. People who automatically qualify for a badge

You are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you are over two years old and meet 1 of the following criteria:

• receive the higher rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
• receive 8 points or more under the “moving around” activity for the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• receive a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• receive a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (within tariff levels 1 – 8).  You must also have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP)and have been awarded 10 points (Descriptor E) for planning and following a journey.

As part of your application you will be required to provide proof of your qualifying benefit.

2. Eligible subject to further assessment

If you do not automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, you may still be eligible if you are over two years old and:

• have a permanent and substantial disability that means you cannot walk, or which makes walking very difficult
• you drive a vehicle 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 meter

As part of your application you will need to show how you think you meet the criteria. Please upload any relevant and current supporting information that you may have.

3. Children under 3 years old

If you are the parent of a child who is under three years old you may apply for a Blue Badge for your child if they have a specific medical condition that means that they:

• must always be accompanied by bulky medical equipment which cannot be carried around without great difficulty
• need to be kept near a vehicle at all times, so that they can, if necessary, be treated in the vehicle, or quickly driven to a place where they can be treated, such as a hospital

If you are eligible you can apply online.