Hi

I applied for a blue badge 6 months after diagnosis - when I was getting progressively worse. I got one without any problem at all.
My understanding is - as RA will not be cured - we qualify!

Good Luck

Beth

You go for it! Im thinking about it myself. My rhuemmy nurse said to me that they are for the persons use and not the car registration as they used to be so if you are in another car then you can use it then. He also said I didnt have to use it all the time, just on bad days (most of the time at the mo then!!!) Good luck let me know how you get on!

lots of love
Heatherxxx

Hi Mairead,

If you receive DLA you may find that in your Local Authority (council) that you are automatically entitled to a Blue Badge. I received mine prior to receiving DLA and had to go for an examination, but again it depends on the area you live in as each Local Authority will have it's own criteria.

I too get annoyed when I see other people who are clearly able bodied using a Blue Badge, especially when they are depriving a disabled person a parking space. I think there should be a whistle blowing scheme, as Blue badges are clearly being abused.

Good luck and hope you're successful,

love,

Barbara
XXXXXX

Thanks all. That's what I'd read, that if you can walk more than 50 yards you don't qualify. Well I can walk more than 50 yards but not without a stick! I don't receive DLA either but I have great skills in complaining and kicking up a stink. My name is already mud in the city council. I'll keep you all up to date.

Hi Mairead,

I recieved mine after an examination when I was not in receipt of DLA, and basically stated that although I can sometimes walk more than 50 yards, I experience pain and discomfort, and like you, need a walking stick and sometimes crutches. Go for it girl and appeal!!

love an well wishes,

Barbara
XXXXX

I too would be interested to seeing the outcome as I have been thinking of applying for one. I was under the impression you had to be on full mobility re the DLA which I'm not.
There are days however when I could cry when I think of how far away the car is!

hi, hope you get the badge,i have just applied for one i am on low dla and my O/T suggested i tried for it as i have trouble walking now,i use a stick and prefer someone with me if i have to go into town for a shop, i live in suffolk so i will let you know how i get on, alot is down to our G.P was what DIAL told me when i enquired to be sure i could apply.

Well i didn't get the badge. The template letter quite rudely stated that I was not eligible because I wasn't too ill to use public transport and/or walking was not a threat to my life nor caused my health to deteriorate. Well their bloody letter certainly caused my health to deteriorate! I'm absolutely fuming.

I'll be appealing. It took them three months to assess my application in which time my condition has deteriorated. Their application form doesn't appear to match their assessment criteria. The form asks whether I can walk 50 yards without pain or whether I have problem walking (ie problems with my balance). There's nothing in the form stating that walking must detrimental to health or life. I used to do legal work and assessed application forms for funding so i'll be pulling this one to shreds. I'll also be asking for a copy of their assessment criteria and if they refuse to supply it I'l hit them with a Freedom of Information request and copy in my councillors and MP.

Their customer charter states they'll respond within a month, it took them thre months. I reminded them of this when I made a follow up call. I may take this to the ombudsman as it's a breach of customer charter.

They messed with the wrong woman this time.

They won't know what has hit them . Go for it Mairead.
We will all be rooting for you.
Sue

Hi

Sorry to hear you have been turned down for a blue badge. I think different authorities must have different guidelines. I applied for my badge and was awarded it within two weeks of them getting the application. Good luck with your appeal.

Louise