BLUE BADGE holders are already entitled to parking benefits – but there is another HUGE offer they can take advantage of.
The parking permit allows drivers to park in designated areas to assist with day-to-day travel.
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But there is another huge benefit of the badge, that the majority of holders are unaware of.
According to the Daily Record, more than 230,000 Blue Badge holders may be unaware of their entitlement to free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card (NEC).
The Transport Scotland website says all you need is your Blue Badge, or most recent documentation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) when you apply.
It also says: “A valid Blue Badge issued outside Scotland, in the rest of the UK or by the authorities of another EU member state will be acceptable.”
You are entitled to free bus travel with the NEC if you are a resident in Scotland, and you meet one of the following criteria.
Criteria for the National Entitlement Card
Check if you qualify for free bus travel with the NEC
You are eligible if you receive a qualifying DWP benefit –Â Attendance Allowance, PIP, War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, or the higher rate of the mobility component or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance.
You are also eligible if you receive a qualifying Social Security Scotland benefit – Pension Age Disability payment, Adult Disability Payment, or receive the higher rate of the mobility component or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment.
So what makes someone eligible for a Blue Badge in the first place?
You are eligible to receive a Blue Badge if you have any form of physical disability, or health condition that affects your ability to walk.
You are also eligible if you have any neurological or hidden illness.
This includes Parkinson’s, autism, and dementia.
In these cases, you may also be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go.
The badge allows holders travelling as a driver or a passenger to park for free in disabled parking spaces, and can make drivers exempt from other parking restrictions otherwise in place.
You can make your application to your local council.
They will review and assess your application based on the information they are provided with.
After making your application, they will ask you to attend a mobility assessment meeting to review your eligibility.
It may also be required to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.
