Applying for a Blue Badge

Due to the ongoing developments with the coronavirus outbreak in Wales and the need to focus staff resources towards services, the Blue Badge application service has temporarily changed. All new applications need to be made online. Please read the information below

The Blue Badge is a concession which helps severely disabled persons with permanent and substantial mobility problems to park close to the place they need to visit.

The eligibility criteria is decided by Welsh Government, however, each local authority is responsible for administering the scheme and determining eligibility for applicants who permanently reside in their area.

Am I entitled to a Blue Badge?

All applicants must be the driver or passenger in a vehicle when using a Blue Badge. To find out if you are entitled to a Blue Badge, and what medical/disability benefits evidence you need to provide please read the Welsh Government leaflet below “Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?”   

Please note: The onus is on the applicant to provide the necessary supporting evidence when applying for a blue badge. If independent medical evidence is required to support the application (i.e. Discretionary, Temporary and Cognitive), any cost incurred is met by the applicant.  

How to apply/re-apply for a Blue Badge?

Before applying/re-applying please check if you meet the eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge by reading the leaflet above which is entitled “Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?”

All new applications need to be made on-line.

All re-applications can either be made on line or proof of eligibility e-mailed to onestopshopneath@npt.gov.uk as these have continued to be processed for people who are:

Automatic

  • Receiving Disability Living Allowance (higher rate mobility)
  • Receiving Personal Independence Payments, the requirement is 8 or more points under the moving around category or 12 points under the planning and following a journey category.
  • Receiving War Pensioner’s mobility supplement
  • Receiving Armed Forces compensation scheme payments
  • Registered blind

Non-automatic applications

  • Evidence of mobility issues from an independent  medical professional
  • Description of any adaptations in place in your property (for example, grab rails, ramps, raised steps, stairlift etc)
  • Description of any walking aids (for example walking stick, zimmer frame etc)

To help with the assessment process please attach as much evidence to the application as possible, such as:

  • Proof of Address, identity (e.g. passport, driving licence)
  • Passport quality photograph
  • National Insurance Number

Online Applications

Once you have submitted your online application it will be checked and verified by Neath Port Talbot Council.

We may contact you for further information about your application.

Please ensure you answer any emails we send you or reply to any telephone messages/calls we make to you as soon as possible. Otherwise your application will be delayed or unable to process.

Once all relevant information is received and we are successfully able to process your application your new badge will be sent to the address you provided within 2 weeks. Please ensure that the address on your application is correct. If you are re-applying for a blue badge we would expect your old badge to be returned once it has expired so that it can be cancelled and destroyed appropriately - please see 'Other Information' section for where to return badges.

If your application is unsuccessful we will contact you to explain why.

 

Applicants under 65 years:

If you are under the age of 65 years, you may be entitled to claim a mobility related benefit from the Department of Work and Pensions.  

We recommend that Blue Badge applicants who are under the age of 65 years should firstly apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If awarded, this will help you financially, and also serve as the relevant medical evidence required when applying for a Blue Badge.

Blue Badge Holder’s Responsibilities:

In accordance with the responsibilities of the badge holder, whether your re-application is successful or unsuccessful you have a duty to ensure the return of an expired badge to the Authority. 

Lost, stolen, or damaged Blue Badges:

Badges can be replaced for a charge of £10 (you may need to prove you are still eligible to receive one) - see ‘How to apply/re-apply for a Blue Badge?’

Once reported lost/stolen or damaged, we will cancel the badge, so if it is found at a later date it will not be valid and should be returned to us immediately

Found badges:

Please return any found Blue Badges to us, stating where and when found.

Where to return Blue Badges:

If you need to return a Blue Badge please send to :

Customer Services, One Stop Shop, Civic Centre, Neath, SA11 3QZ

Contact Information

If you need further information on Blue Badges, please contact us:

By email: onestopshopneath@npt.gov.uk

By telephone: 01639 686868

The badge and its concessions are for the named person on the badge only. It is a criminal offence for the holder, or anyone else, to misuse the badge, and doing so could lead to a £1000 fine and result in the confiscation of the Blue Badge

Rights and Responsibilities of Blue Badge holders

To find out more about your rights and responsibilities please visit the Welsh Government information booklet

A Blue Badge may be issued to an organisation responsible for the care and transport of disabled people. There is a fee of £10 for each badge. An initial application for an Organisational Badge can be made online.

Evidence required:

Proof of address which shows your Organisation’s current address, such as:

  • a recent bill from a utility company
  • a recent letter from a government department, such as HMRC