Rheumatoid arthritis: Blue badge for parking

@Somya.P l do not drive but my daughter often takes me shopping for groceries and l applied for a blue badge to make things easier for us as often l had a lengthy walk to get to the supermarket from a “normal” parking space. This caused me additional pain as l walk with walking sticks. Within 10 days after applying for my badge, having my proof of identity photo and paying the £10 fee l had my badge. This has been a bonus in my freedom to shop at ease without undue stress and l can use it in any car l am travelling in so l am only sorry l never applied for one before. Very seldom have we had problems finding designated parking as some supermarkets only have a few spaces it seems in our experience. Well worth getting a blue badge if you are able.

@Mandy59 Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Fantastic to hear how the blue badge has made such a positive difference for you. I can imagine howit can reduce stress and make shopping trips with your daughter more enjoyable. Do you have any tips for those who might be starting the application process?

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼

@Somya.P l forgot to add some info to help you if you are applying for a blue badge. I had applied online for mine but needed to attend my local council office to get a photo done which is needed as l wasn’t able to download a digital head & shoulders photo myself and is printed on the reverse of your badge to identify you as the legitimate user.

The badge lasts 3 years and costs £10 in England and Scotland but if you reside in wales it’s free. You can check your eligibility/apply for your badge online if you can download / scan the relevant documents needed for application and you can apply for yourself or someone you care for.
So checklist is ;
Digital head & shoulders Photo. Proof of identity ie; birth certificate, driving licence or passport. Proof of address ; council tax bill or government letter. Proof of benefits if you receive any. Your national insurance number The details of your current blue badge if reapplying. Depending on your local council it can take up to 12 weeks for the decision l was very lucky here and it didn’t take long at all. If you are reapplying its suggested to do so up to 12 weeks before your current badge expires.
l hope this helps others in their application,

Take care everyone 🙂

@Mandy59 Wow, this is extremely helpful! Thank you so much for sharing all of these detailed steps. The cost information is really useful, and this checklist makes the whole process seem a lot more straightforward. I’m sure this will help a lot of people, especially those who might be applying for the first time. This will definitely save some stress! 😊

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼

@bridgetberry Hi there, I’m so sorry to hear about the pain you're still experiencing. The pain can sometimes persist due to many reasons, such as inflammation, muscle imbalances, or problems with surrounding tissues. Have you spoken to your doctor about pain relief options? You deserve to live with as little pain as possible.

Please hang in there, and feel free to share more about how you’re managing,
Somya from the Carenity Team 🌼