LYN TUNNAH
3 posts
Jul 13, 2010
5:06 AM
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Can anyone tell me if MG sufferers can apply for a disabled parking badge, even if they are not claiming DLA? I have trouble when I go shopping etc, the walk back to the car can be a challenge, and so it puts me off going out for the day, as I am then struggling to drive home.
Thanks
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MGMike
230 posts
Jul 13, 2010
6:03 AM
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Hi and hello Lyn
YES is the answer - I have a Blue Badge for over a year now- best thing I ever did for my personal Mobility - I stressed the loss of Mobility when returning from a short walk and the frequent need to take a rest - so returning to a parked car was not something that I could reliably do in a short time - so realy required closer parking to shops etc and a longer stay without incuring penalties - I also stressed the need to rest a'while after returning to car to recover enough to be able to drive off again - also the need to park closer to public toilets for obvious reasons, without incuring penalties
apply for sure
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rick11
32 posts
Jul 13, 2010
6:15 AM
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Sorry about this opinion of mine but my wife when she was alive had huntingtons and had to be put strait into her wheelchair from the car as she could not stand unsupported so desperately needed her blue badge but since having MG and suffering the fatigue that gose with it i still believe i do not deserve a blue badge as i can rest many times when shopping before i go back to my car leaving the blue badge places for those more desperate than myself. Again sorry for my opinion on this point but i have seen so many fit people abusing the blue badge so i would rest and have a cuppa before going back to your car like i do myself so you would not struggle to drive which seems not a very safe thing to do anyway until you feel ok to drive home all the best Rick
Last Edited on 13-Jul-2010 6:48 AM
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CarolO52
10 posts
Jul 13, 2010
6:52 AM
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Hi
If you are not in receipt of high rate DLA mobility(AUTOMATIC PASSPORT) then you would have to make a discretionary claim for a blue badge - if you feel you qualify then you should apply. If the decision maker is unsure they can then get supporting evidence from your GP or consultant. If you qualify then you will get one and rightly so - if not, then you wont (if you are turned down and no supporting evidence as been requested you cannot appeal but you can ask to have the decision re considered giving as much extra evidence as you can). Everyone with MG will not be as well/fit as someone else with it. I believe you should claim what you are entitled to and tell the true facts about your condition and how it effects your day to day life.
Good luck Carol
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MGMike
231 posts
Jul 13, 2010
12:02 PM
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Hi again Lyn
re applying for a Blue Badge - it might be different in various counties around the country (UK) but here in Devon application is over the phone and someone (interviewer) fills in the form after asking questions - and then sends the form for signature to the person requesting a Blue Badge -
in my application DLA was not refered to at all might be because i'm over 65 years on application -
please do not be put off by comments about validity of application as MG is an acceptable illness -
because I have good, variable and useless days I aquired a Disability Car Badge stating 'that not all disabilities are visible' sign - as some people only expect Blue Badge Holders to either be Wheelchair Bound or walk with an aid or the disability to be 'Visible' - with MG it is not allways visible but certainly experienced by the person
A Blue Badge holder has a few more parking options than a member of the public who does not - so can
Use a Marked Out Blue Badge only parking area on Public Highway
Park on Double Yellow lines, within restrictions
Use in a Blue Badge area in a shopping car park
Having a Blue Badge means that the Options are there should you require / choose to use them its certainly not mandatory to only park in a Blue Badge area
Best of luck with your application
Last Edited on 13-Jul-2010 4:29 PM
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sally1louiselouise
918 posts
Jul 13, 2010
1:02 PM
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Mike, I was 52 years old when I first got my Blue Badge, my daughter did the application for me and there was no reference to DLA, I was not in receipt of any DLA at that time. I think I am right in saying that the Blue Badge is issued by the local council authority not the DWP, so being in receipt of DLA wouldn't be a requirement. When I renewed my badge I did it at the local council office and it was issued there and then.
My advice to anyone who feels that they would benefit with a Blue Badge is to apply for one, you do not always have to use it but it is a form of security should you ever feel the need for it, remembering as has already been stated, MG is fluctuating and the symptoms can differ greatly from day to day, hour to hour.
I have my blue badge and I use it if I feel I need to, but if I don't feel I need it then I use the ordinary parking spaces, I don't abuse the badge but it is there for me should I need it. Nobody should feel guilty about having the badge, MG is not always visible to others but it is still there.
SALLY
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Margaret
South Wales
UK
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CarolO52
11 posts
Jul 13, 2010
2:22 PM
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Hi
The only reason I mentioned DLA is that if you are in receipt of the mobility component at the high rate you are automatically eligible for a blue badge.
carol x
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JanetP
29 posts
Jul 14, 2010
12:24 PM
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i have a blue badge which I use only on bad days, it makes the difference between getting to work etc or being housebound, so go for it.
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