1. Bus concessions
2. Train concessions
3. Car: Road tax exemption
4. Car: Blue Badge Parking Permit
Anyone aged over two years old automatically qualifies for a Blue Badge, if they are:
- Registered blind
- Receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Receiving Personal Independence Payment and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ activity of your assessment or (from 30 August 2019) scored 10 points on the 'going out' activity of your assessment because you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress.
- In Scotland or Wales only, receiving Personal Independence Payment and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around activity' or 12 or more points under the 'planning and following a journey' activity of the mobility component.
- Has received a lump sum benefit within tariff levels 1-8 of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) and has been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.
Other people with severe disabilities may also qualify following assessment by their local council. From 30 August 2019 this includes invisible disabilities like autism, mental health problems and dementia.
The Blue Badge Parking Permit allows people who qualify for the scheme – as a driver or a passenger – to park close to where they need to go. It also provides exemption from some tolls at river crossings, bridges and tunnels as well as the London Congestion Charge - although in most cases you have to apply in advance to qualify. It can also be used in some European Union countries.
The scheme is available throughout the UK, but the rules about where you can park differ in each country.
There are also restrictions in the following London boroughs, which have their own concessions:
- City of London
- City of Westminster
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
- Part of the London Borough of Camden.
How do I apply?
You apply for a Blue Badge, which is usually valid for up to three years, through your local council
There may be a small charge.
If you live in England, Gov.UK also allows you to do a postcode search to identify your local council It then links to information on your council’s website that explains how you apply for a Blue Badge. This is usually paper-based but some councils may also allow you to apply online.
Updated June 2019
5. Carers
Carers can sometimes get travel concessions to accompany a person with disabilities on public transport. For example, if the person has a Disabled Person's Railcard, this qualifies you to a discount when you travel with them by train.
Updated: 13 May 2015