Frequently asked questions
Do I need to see someone to complete my Blue Badge application?
You can complete your application fully online by uploading all supporting evidence, uploading a photo and making an online payment, however if you require a Mobility Assessment, you may be invited to see an Occupational Therapist. You will be contacted to arrange a date, time and location of the appointment which will be carried out at either Wigan or Leigh Life Centre.
If you need support with your application, you can visit either Wigan or Leigh Life Centre and a member of the team will support you. Please remember to bring all supporting documents with you to complete your application. You do not need to bring a photo as this can be taken in the Life Centre as part of the application process.
What evidence do I need to provide to complete my application?
You will need to provide:
- Proof of identity (Such as birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (Such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
- Proof of benefit (If applicable)
- Details of your current Blue Badge (If you are re-applying)
- A recent digital photo (Passport or driving licence quality)
- Medical information in support of your application (If applicable).
You will also need to make a £10 payment to complete your application.
If you are unable to upload your evidence, photo and / or make payment online, you can visit Wigan or Leigh Life Centres for support to complete your application. This includes taking your photo.
Do I need a passport photo?
The photo is a key feature in reducing abuse of the Blue Badge scheme and enabling effective enforcement. You will be required to upload a photo as part of your application which clearly shows your full face so that you can easily be identified.
The photo must be digital covering the head and shoulders, be a true likeness of you and be of passport/driving licence quality.
Photos do not need to be provided for organisational Blue Badge applications or for an eligible terminal illness application when we are satisfied that the estimated life expectancy is less than 6 months.
What information will be used to check my eligibility for a Blue Badge?
We will use the information and supporting evidence you provide as part of your application. We will also cross check any relevant personal information we hold in relation to your condition or care.
Further information on how we use your information can be found in our privacy notices.
Do I need to return my Blue Badge?
In some circumstances we require you to return your Blue Badge to Wigan Council, Customer Experience and Support, PO BOX 100, Wigan, WN1 3DS. Please return your Blue Badge if:
- The badge expires
- Your walking ability improves, or you stop receiving the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance or your War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) ends
- You are no longer eligible, or, in the case of an organisational badge, the organisation no longer exists or is no longer eligible
- It is a replacement badge for one that is lost or stolen, and the original is found/recovered (In this case the original badge should be returned so that it can be securely destroyed)
- The badge is so damaged/faded that the details on it are illegible, or it cannot be identified correctly or distinguished from a forgery
- The badge is no longer required (for example, when you have become confined to the house); or another valid badge is inadvertently issued to the holder by another issuing authority
- The badge holder has died - If you register a death through our Tell Us Once scheme, you can hand the Blue Badge in at the same time.
How long will my Blue Badge application take to process?
Upon receipt of your fully completed application, we will verify your documents which include proof of your eligibility, identity and residency. You will need to have uploaded a photo of passport/ driving licence quality and paid your £10 fee, then we will post the Blue Badge out to you within 7 to 10 working days.
Can someone else complete the application for me?
Yes. A relative or friend can complete the online application on your behalf. It is useful if you’re with them at the time the application is made to answer questions about your disability.
Can I get a badge if I’m diagnosed as terminally ill?
We have a fast-track application process for people who have a terminal illness that seriously limits their mobility. If you have an SR1 form issued by a specialist then a health professional will need to apply on your behalf, we have a special claim form that speeds up the process for them to complete for you. There will be no charge for a badge issued in these circumstances.
We have close links with certain palliative care teams inside and outside of the borough to ensure these applications are prioritised.
How long does a Blue Badge last for?
A badge is issued for a maximum of 3 years. Badges can end sooner if there is an end to any eligible benefits, for example Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).
In the case of a child under 3 years of age, the badge will expire on the day after their third birthday. A Blue Badge application will then need to be made in the same way as other children over the age of 3.
Can I be issued with a temporary badge?
No. There is no provision within the scheme to issue a temporary badge.
What if I can’t get to the Wigan or Leigh Life Centres?
The Blue Badge scheme is designed to provide disabled people with parking concessions, allowing them to visit shops, public buildings and leisure activities which they may not otherwise be able to access.
The Blue Badge scheme is not aimed at those who are not able to leave their homes as they will not be able to access any vehicle where they would benefit from the scheme.
Will I get a reminder to renew my Blue Badge when it’s due to expire?
We will issue a reminder 5-6 weeks before your current badge expires. You can re-apply online up to 6 weeks before your current badge expires.
Please note that in line with the terms of the Blue Badge Scheme, it remains the badge holders responsibility to renew their badge rather than the Council’s to issue a reminder letter.
What can I do about a Blue Badge that has been lost, stolen, damaged or has faded?
You can apply for a replacement badge online. There is a £10 fee for any replacement. You need to report a stolen badge to the police who will give you a crime reference number. You will not usually be required to have your photo taken again.
My doctor says I’m eligible for a Blue Badge, why can’t I have one?
The Blue Badge scheme is administered by Wigan Council on behalf of the Department for Transport and whilst we can take into account information from your doctor regarding the severity of your condition, the decision as to whether you are eligible for a Blue Badge lies with Wigan Council in accordance with the Department for Transport set criteria.
What if I have changed address?
You will need to notify us of a change of address by completing a Change of Circumstances form.
My child does not have one of the proof of address documents listed on the application, what do I do?
You can provide one of the following:
- DWP benefit letter
- NHS or GP letter
- Copy of their medical prescription
- Local authority/education letter, which refers to your child and shows their address.