Been to chair yoga this am run by my local MS Society, and one of the girls said why don’t you have a blue badge? Had to walk quite a way to entrance, and must admit it took it out of me. Explained that I do not get DLA, was going to go back to work last year, but know I am not fit, so do not claim JSA. Also as I am still under investigation for probable MS, did not think I would be able too? Must admit I do struggle with walking and hills are a no no. Also. If we do park along way from the entrance, say at a shopping centre I am tried when I get there and have to have lots of breaks to have a sit down. Started doing online shopping as I find going to the supermarket takes it out of me. Is it worth applying, worried that if I do and they want to see me, I will be having an odd good day and my walking will be ok.
hi, if you google dla go to the gov. com website ( think thats right). it will also show all sorts of benifits including the blue badge scheme. i" not had a full dx yet but been able to claim quiet a lot through my disability. good luck x x x
Hi I went to my local social services dept about my blue badge. You dont have to have a dx to get a badge.
Can I mention something else? you say walking rounds shops is so tiring…well why not give shopmobility a try? You dont need a dx for that either. It would make your shopping trips so much more enjoyable.
After there`s nowt like a bit of retail therapy to cheer me up!
luv Pollx
I first got my blue badge purely for fatigue. I was very honest on the form and said that some days my fatigue was so bad I struggled to walk any distance at all, but other days I was fine. I promised never to use my badge on a “good” day (my mum is disabled so I know all too well how precious blue badge bays are).
I knew it was a long shot, so I was quite astonished to get a badge. I was also seriously relieved - it makes a massive difference.
So the moral of the story: it’s worth a try!
Karen x
Blue Badges are based on walking ability. There are some conditions where you can get one automatically (provided you apply), but the big criteria are how far you can walk, and how often you need to rest. You will need a medical person to list as a reference, but mine (the first one, and the recent renewal) came through much too fast for the reference to have been taken up. If you are still “probable MS” then you can list the professional who has said so.
You can apply online, and you will need digital copies (scans) of enough documents to prove who you are (think Passport), and where you live (think Council Tax or Utility bill - the form will tell you what can be accepted) and a passport sized photo. The last one is a doddle in these days of digital cameras. When you fill in the form, remember to put down the Worst Case. If you struggle to get 10 metres on a bad day, then that is what you put down. If you have to rest every 50 metres, then that is what you put down. This is not cheating. You cannot tell with MS when a good day will turn bad.
Go for it!
Geoff
Thanks for all that, MS43 I had forgotten about shop mobility, think we are going to White Rose at the weekend so will have a look on the website later, I can walk but normally very slow and need lots of rests. I have had a quick look at the blue badge form online, it has changed quite a bit since I filled out one for my mother in law a few years ago. But like you say if I don’t try I have no chance, sure my Gp will support me. It says you have to put dates you have been to outpatients clinic etc, not sure of some of the dates, but can pin it down to the right month! Brain like a sieve. Going to put it down as my job for today, reckon it will take me all day. Thanks again
Hi,
I have just received my Blue Badge. I applied online…I didn’t hear anything, so I phoned up. The lady on the phone took a few details and a few days later I had a letter to say that my application was successful. I am now going to apply for a bus pass.
Good Luck,
Wendy.