Evidence in support of your application
This section explains the types of evidence you may need to provide when applying for a Blue Badge. Some applicants are automatically eligible without further assessment, while others will need to submit supporting information and may be required to undergo an assessment to determine eligibility.
- Eligible without further assessment - evidence required
- Eligible subject to further assessment - evidence required
Eligible without further assessment - evidence required
Some applicants are eligible without further assessment because they already receive certain benefits or hold specific certifications. This section explains what evidence is required for each category and how your eligibility will be checked.
Applicants in receipt of a qualifying mobility benefit:
From 1 April 2025 and 20 May 2025 applicants in receipt of a qualifying PIP and HRMCDLA award will no longer be asked to upload their PIP/HRMCDLA award letter when completing the online application form. Instead, local authorities should use the DWP Searchlight system to validate the PIP award. Searchlight is a DWP system provided to all local authorities to allow them to easily check up-to-date DWP benefit information.
If an application submitted under these criteria is reviewed and found not to meet the requirements outlined above, you will be notified by our team. Should you wish to proceed, you will be asked to reapply under the category eligible subject to further assessment and will be required to provide additional supporting evidence.
Applicants registered blind (severely sight impaired):
An applicant who is registered blind (now officially referred to as “severely sight impaired”) will often be registered with the local authority’s social services department (or their agents).
The formal notification required to register as severely sight impaired is a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) signed by a consultant ophthalmologist. The CVI was formerly known as the ‘BD8’ form. The individual should have a copy of their CVI and should be encouraged to register [footnote 10] if they have not already done so as they may also be entitled to other benefits.
In the event that you are not registered as severely sight impaired with the local authority a CVI confirming this will be required.
Applicants who have a CVI marked as “partially sighted” are required to apply under eligible subject to further assessment and will be required to provide additional evidence.
Applicants who receive a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
Proof of receipt of the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
An applicant receiving the WPMS will have an award letter from Veterans UK [footnote 11].
Applicants with qualifying Armed Forces Compensation Scheme awards
Proof of both award of a lump sum benefit at tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and certification of having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty whilst walking.
An applicant with the above award and certification will have an award letter from Veterans UK [footnote 12] confirming that they are in receipt of tariffs 1 to 8 under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme Order 2011 [footnote 13] which also states that they have been certified as having an “permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty whilst walking”.
Eligible subject to further assessment - evidence required
The majority of applications made on these grounds will require an assessment to take place in order for us to consider your eligibility.
Therefore, if you're applying for a Blue Badge under these criteria, it's important for you to:
- explain in your own words how your disability affects you whilst walking
- respond to questions about how your disability affects you
- identify any coping strategies you use, and how effectively these work in practice
- document any treatment or medication you receive to help manage your condition
- provide names and contact details of any health or social care practitioners involved in your diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
- explain how you experience an overwhelming sense of fear of public, open or busy spaces
- explain why you might avoid different types of journeys due to the kinds of experiences you face as a result of your condition
- explain whether the effort of walking presents a danger to your life or would be likely to lead to a serious deterioration in your health
- show that you should not walk very far because of the danger to your health
It is also essential that you provide medical evidence to support your application, such as:
- diagnosis letters
- patient summaries (which are obtainable from your GP surgery, FREE of charge and some GP surgeries may email this direct to us on your behalf)
- education Health and Care (EHC) plans
- details of any disability benefits received
- clinical documents for any treatment or medication you receive to help you manage your condition
Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide supporting medical evidence, we will not contact clinical professionals on your behalf to gain this information.
In addition, the above documents will not result in a badge being issued automatically but will help us to determine your eligibility.
There may be a requirement for you to provide further information from a clinical professional involved in your care, alternatively you may be invited to attend an assessment.