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Blue Badge eligibility for DWP claimants: Check if you meet these 6 automatic qualification criteria

The Blue Badge scheme offers a range of parking benefits for those with disabilities and health conditions. However, many drivers may not realise that some people qualify automatically for a badge

[Blue Badges cost up to 10 in England and 20 in Scotland.]

Blue Badges cost up to 10 in England and 20 in Scotland.(Image: Getty)

Blue Badges are invaluable for those with disabilities or health issues, offering the chance to park nearer their destinations.

Yet, it seems a fair few motorists might not know that they automatically qualify for one.

Those on DWP disability benefits including Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can automatically get a Blue Badge without a fuss. In England, badges could set you back up to 10 and 20 in Scotland, but over in Wales, they are free.

The Department for Transport said: "If you have any score other than 10 points under descriptor E, in the 'planning and following journeys' activity of PIP you may still be eligible for a Blue Badge, but you do not automatically qualify."

[The Department For Work & Pensions]

DWP benefit claimants with 6 criteria can automatically receive a Blue Badge(Image: Getty)

They continued: "This includes if you have a higher score of 12. You will have to provide evidence to demonstrate your eligibility which will be assessed as part of your application."

It's down to the local council to give the thumbs up for badge eligibility, according to the Express.

They DoT continued: "They cannot start the assessment process until they have all the necessary evidence. It may take 12 weeks or longer to assess your application.

"If they decide that you are not eligible and you think that they did not take account of all the facts, you can ask them to consider your application again."

[Woman's hands holding a Blue Badge parking disc issued in the UK to disabled drivers.]

Make sure your badge is up to date as using one out of date is illegal(Image: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

You can apply for yourself, someone else, or even an organisation ferrying folks who need a Blue Badge.

You are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge if you are aged three or above and at least one of the following applies:

• You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• You receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because you can't walk further than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the 'moving around' activity of the mobility component)
• You are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• You receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• You have received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability that causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking
• You receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the 'planning and following journeys' activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

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