If your lung cancer symptoms are causing a significant impact on your mobility, you can apply for a Blue Badge.
The Blue Badge scheme allows you to park in disabled parking bays closer to your destination and, in some car parks, allow you to park for free.
If you are living with lung cancer, symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue may make it harder for you to walk for long periods of time. Feeling short of breath can also make getting around very difficult. This, paired with fatigue and pain, can significantly affect mobility.
For Disabled Access Day [16th March], we’ve outlined some helpful information to give you all you need to know about the government’s Blue Badge scheme and how to apply:
The basics
You can apply for a Blue Badge via the government services website. Your local council will then assess your application and you will find out the result within 12 weeks. However, if your lung cancer can’t be cured, your local authority will usually speed-up your application.
When applying, you will need to send them a copy of the medical condition statement from your doctor or consultant – this is called a DS1500 report – this report outlines your diagnosis, treatments and it will describe your symptoms.
“I am level 4 squamous NSCLC diagnosed 7 months ago but doing pretty well. I applied for, and immediately received, a disabled parking badge. It really helps in getting out and about with ease of parking.”
Tdoy, on our lung cancer forum
Benefits
If you are receiving income benefits, you will need to specify this on your application.
You will be eligible for a Blue Badge if:
– You receive Personal Independence Payments and scored 8 or more in the mobility section.
– You are awarded the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.
You can still apply for a Blue Badge if you aren’t receiving any income support.
What do I need?
When you apply for your blue badge, you will need:
– Passport photo
– Photo or scan of a proof of identity (passport, driving licence)
– Proof of address (such as a council tax bill or government letter)
– If you receive benefits, you will need to show proof of this
– National Insurance number
– Details of medication, treatments and any mobility aids
Is there a cost?
A Blue Badge will cost up to £20 depending on your local authority and they can last up to 3 years.
Where do I apply?
If you live in England or Wales, you can apply online here
If you live in Isle of Man, you can find out more information on blue badges here
If you live in Scotland, you can apply here
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can apply here
There are some additional limits to applying for a Blue Badge if you live in London, visit Disabled Motoring for more information.
My application was rejected
If you find out that your application is rejected, your local council will explain why you are not eligible this time.
You can appeal the decision if you feel as though you need to put more information about your lung cancer symptoms on your application.
If your mobility problems get worse, you can reapply for a Blue Badge.
