Frequently asked questions
How long will my Blue Badge application take to process?
If you are invited to see an Occupational Therapist for a Mobility Assessment you will be contacted to arrange a date, time and location of the appointment. All Mobility Assessments are carried out at either Wigan or Leigh Life Centres.
If this is your first application and the application is approved, you will need to attend either our Wigan or Leigh Life Centre to complete the final part of the application. You will need to make a £10 card payment, provide proof of your Identity and residency and if necessary proof of your eligibility to the scheme. We will also take your photograph to appear on the Badge. There is no separate charge for the photograph.
If you currently have a blue badge, you have the option to upload the relevant documents and pay online. The documentation will then be checked and you will be informed of the outcome by email.
From having your photo taken, paying your fee and having your documents verified, the badge will be posted 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 application on your behalf. They can do this online. We may ask them questions about your walking ability, so it’s useful if you’re with them at the time the application is made.
Can I get a badge if I’m diagnosed as terminally ill?
Each case will be different so we will need to look at your needs on a case-by-case basis. However, we do have close links with certain palliative care teams inside and outside of the borough. If you have a form DS1500 issued by a specialist then a health professional can 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.
Please call us on 01942 489014 about this and we can discuss this further before you make your application.
Why does the badge cost me £10?
Local authorities need to continue to deliver a fair and credible scheme, for those most in need of it in a sustainable manner.
The average benefit for badge holders from having a badge and not having to pay some parking charges is estimated to be £300 over the 3 years for which most badges are issued.
The fee is the maximum standard that can be charged and is charged by the majority of England’s local authorities.
Can I get a Blue Badge if I have difficulty carrying shopping?
No. You can only get a Blue Badge if you have severe difficulties in walking. Problems with carrying parcels or shopping are not part of the Department for Transports qualifying criteria.
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. They will then need to apply for a Blue Badge 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 to have my photo taken, make payment and verify my identity and residency?
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.
Normally if you do not complete the final part of your application within 4 weeks of your badge being approved your application will be closed.
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 reminder letters.
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 have 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.
What if I have changed address?
If you have changed address then continue to use your existing badge until it expires. When you reapply, use your new address.
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 items:
- DWP benefit letter
- NHS/GP letter
- Copy of their medical prescription
- Local authority/education letter, which refers to your child and shows their address.