DVLA, PIP and Blue Badges!

Everyday living
1

Hello all! This is my first post and I’m straight in asking questions!

I’ve had RR MS since 2000. Only recently an MS nurse mentioned about informing the DVLA and vehicle insurer. I have never had issues with driving, but am very concerned about informing them 16 years after diagnosis! Help!

I’m now applying for benefit - never have before. I’ve read the assessment criteria and I can’t see how I’d get anything! I’m still working full time but need to ease up! I was hoping the benefit would allow me to get a more sedentary job with much fewer hours.

As for claiming for a Blue car Badge again I can’t see meeting the criteria! I hobble around fairly well but increasing use a walking stick.

I hate starting out with all these questions and concerns. I wish you all well.

Steve

2

Hi Steve

No worries about jumping in with questions.

Firstly, don’t worry about telling the DVLA late, they won’t penalise you. Just get the form from their website and it’ll all be fine. Medical conditions, disabilities and driving: Telling DVLA about a medical condition or disability - GOV.UK

Second, re benefits, you might find you don’t qualify for anything. (Just being realistic!) Have a look at the CAB site: Benefit calculators: what benefits can you get - Citizens Advice You might find Disabled Working Tax Credit could help you out. But have a look, you never know until you check.

Next, re a blue badge. The criteria is fairly strict, can you walk 50 metres safely, reliably and repeatedly? Have a look at the website: Apply for or renew a Blue Badge - GOV.UK

Hope some or all of this is helpful.

Sue

2 Likes
3

Thank you very much Sue. I’ll check it all out.

4

Blue badges seem to be down to individual councils so see what your council’s website says. I was able to apply online and I need to renew it under a new council, so thank you for reminding me

Do apply for PIP (personal independence payment) you’re entitled to apply whether you work or not.

DVLA, I notified by telephone and they’ll send you a form to complete. I surrendered my licence as I found vision difficult, tirns out I have nystagmus now so just as well!

Good luck

Sonia x

1 Like
5

Hi Steve, I have recently been diagnosed with ppms. I gave up my driving license because my left leg is useless any way and I didn,t want to have a car sat around which I can no longer enjoy!

I found an advice service who came to my house. The lady who came spoke with my wife and me for over an hour finding out about all my inabilities etc.

She then went away and filled out all the necessary paperwork and I am now in possession of higher rate pip and also the blue badge. She has told us that she will return and get my wife the carers support allowance because of the help she gives me.

Good luck with your attempt, I am sure you will be entitled to more than you probably think you are.

Best wishes.

6

I wrote the same letter to both DVLA and my Insurance broker (just changed the address and a tiny bit of wording.

“This is to advise you that I have been diagnosed with MS. **** have been informed”. Insert DVLA or Insurance for ****

Nice and simple, no date as to when the Dx was made.
Question, did one have to inform the DVLA in 2000? Or has that come in since?

Geoff

7

If you have a MS centre where you live they normally have a benefit officer who can help you fill in the forms.I did and mine was very helpful.Good luck.

Jamie.

8

hi steve

it’s great that you are still able to work.

great also that you are feeling well.

but are you consistently well?

does you walking deteriorate as the day goes on?

does fatigue bother you?

you should talk about how you are at your worse.

i’m not saying to tell lies but the variable nature of ms has to be spelled out to the people who read your application forms.

blue badge means that you have more space to get out of the car so if you need more space, tell them.

above all get some help with applying for PIP.

good luck

carole x