How to apply for a Blue Badge from West Sussex County Council
A blue badge enables disabled people with a visible or non-visible disability to access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination. Blue badge holders can travel as either the driver or passenger in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
It can take up to 12 weeks for applications to be processed. It is important to ensure that all information and documentation is included with the application. The quickest way to apply is online:
www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/parking/the-blue-badge-scheme/apply-for-or-renew-a-blue-badge
This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is accessible from several devices (smartphone, tablet, PC). It includes an eligibility checker, and any missing information can be requested immediately. Friends or family members can assist with an online application.
To be eligible for a blue badge certain criteria must be met, these are detailed in the Department for Transport leaflet on the Gov.uk website.
There is a charge of £10 if your application for a blue badge is approved.
Ensure you have the following information ready before starting an online application:
Current Blue badge details (if renewing)
National Insurance number
Medication details including dosage
Scans or photos of:
Recent colour passport size photo
Document confirming address, such as Council tax or utility bill within last 12 months
Recent medical evidence of disability
Document proving identity, such as passport or driving licence
Award letter if applying under automatic eligibility criteria (DLA, PIP)
Be aware that the form can take some time to complete but can be saved and exited from and then returned to later. Details of how to retrieve the saved application is sent by email to the applicant.
If you have no option to apply online it can be done by post
If you have problems with the application process or are unable to produce the necessary documents, contact West Sussex County Council:
Email: blue.badges@westsussex.gov.uk
Telephone: 01243 777653
Non-Visible disabilities
Due to the nature of non-visible conditions, applications are assessed by looking at the applicants needs. Consider applying for a blue badge if your condition causes you to struggle with journeys between a vehicle and the destination, and if any of the following are relevant:
Constantly a significant risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks
Severely struggling to plan or follow a journey
Find it difficult or impossible to control your actions and lack awareness of the impact you could have on others
Have regular intense and overwhelming responses to situations causing temporary loss of behavioural control
Frequently become extremely anxious or fearful in public/open spaces
If one or more are relevant, apply online:
www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/parking/the-blue-badge-scheme/apply-for-or-renew-a-blue-badge
PIP – You will be automatically eligible under the criteria if, in your PIP mobility assessment under ‘Planning and following a journey’ you receive 10 points AND Descriptor E, which says ‘Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant’
Other benefits – there is no automatic eligibility under the criteria for other benefits, such as DLA or AA, but applications can still be submitted and assessed.
Note that applications without supporting documentation are unlikely to be successful.
You will need a photo or scan of:
Recent colour passport photo of applicant with name on reverse
Proof of identity
Proof of address dated within last 12 months
Evidence of your condition and symptoms, such as:
Up to date clinical letter confirming diagnosis
Professional or clinical evidence of progression of condition over time
Confirmation of ongoing treatments/clinic attendances, or referrals for these
Evidence of prescribed medication relevant to condition
Patient summary or summary care records
Copies of assessments, such as from a memory clinic
Latest version of an Education Health and Care Plan (all pages)
A care plan from social care
Social housing letters/assessment reports from local authority
Letters from other professionals involved in your care
PIP decision letters, even if not automatically eligible (this alone is insufficient evidence)
Evidence of other benefits received, even if not automatically eligible (this alone is insufficient evidence)
West Sussex County Council will not pay or reimburse any costs associated with applying for a badge. They do not encourage you to supply for documents that involve a charge, such as a letter from GP.
The process can take up to 12 weeks and WSCC will contact the applicant if they require anything further. You will be informed of the outcome of your application. If successful you will be advised by email or post on how to pay the fee, the badge is then posted to the home address. Before using the blue badge visit Gov.UK to download the booklet on how to use it.