Could your parents with dementia qualify for a Blue Badge?

We are on a mission to support your loved ones in our local community. We want to help them age well and remain connected to what matters most to them. We aim to achieve this by sharing information to enable you and us to Be There for your loved ones as they age.

Could your parents with dementia qualify for a Blue Badge? The simple answer is Yes! The Blue Badge scheme is now available to people with hidden disabilities such as dementia, Parkinson’s, autism, epilepsy, Down’s syndrome and arthritis.

Your parents may need an official diagnosis of cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia and show evidence that their condition means they cannot plan and follow a journey.

Could they automatically qualify?

Some people automatically qualify for a Blue Badge if they are eligible for specific benefits:

• The mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at the higher rate.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with a score of 8 or above in the ‘moving around’ section of the assessment, or a score of 10 or above for descriptor E in the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity. (You’ll be asked to provide a copy of your entitlement letter dated within the past 12 months.)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• A lump-sum payment (at tariffs 1 to 8) of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme after being certified as having a serious disability, which means you are unable or find it very difficult, to walk”

Source – Which?

How can you apply?

Applications can be submitted via the government website – GOV.UK and reviewed by the local council within 12 weeks of submission. If you need access to a computer to complete the application, then free computer access is available at public libraries across the borough.

Can I get support to complete the application?

If you need any support, you can contact the Peabody team in Havering, who can offer additional guidance and help to complete the application. Peabody can be contacted on 01708 776770 or via email at [email protected] or go to a drop-in session at Harold Hill library on Tuesdays between 1 pm – 5 pm.

BeThere Action: Getting out and about is proven to help people age well and remain connected, so please apply if you think your parents would be eligible for a Blue Badge. Ensure you explain the challenges your parents are facing. Don’t underplay the obstacles, as this could reduce their chances of being awarded a Blue Badge.