This can include:
- autism
- visual impairments or restricted vision
- hearing loss
- sensory and processing difficulties
mental health conditions, including:
- anxiety
- depression
- schizophrenia
- personality disorders
- obsessive compulsive disorder
cognitive impairment, including:
- dementia
- traumatic brain injury
- learning disabilities
We recognise that this is not an exhaustive list, and that other disabilities and conditions exist which are not listed above.
Eligibility
Blue Badge eligibility for people with non-visible disabilities is not based on diagnosis.
We will base our assessment on:
- the severity of the disability or condition
- how the disability or condition affects walking on a regular basis
We can issue you a Blue Badge if you have an enduring and substantial disability that causes you to:
- be unable to walk
- experience considerable difficulty whilst walking, including psychological distress
- be at risk of serious harm to yourself or others when walking
The term 'enduring and substantial' is defined as any disability or condition that is not expected to improve within the next 3 years to an extent that means you no longer meet the eligibility criteria.
Non-visible conditions that impact mobility
There are some non-visible disabilities and conditions that would be better suited to our mobility criteria, such as:
- Parkinson's
- arthritis
- heart problems
Although these are non-visible, they may have a greater impact on your mobility.
If you have a physical and non-visible disability or condition, you should select both criteria when you apply. We will assess you against the most relevant criteria.
What evidence you will need to provide
You can apply for a Blue Badge under the 'hidden' criteria for non-visible disabilities.
We will determine your eligibility based on:
- the severity of the disability or condition
- how it manifests when you walk
Evidence that can support your application under the hidden criteria includes:
- letters of diagnosis
- evidence of the progression of the condition(s) over time
- ongoing treatments/clinic attendances or referral for such
- specialist consultations or referral for such
- patient summary or summary care records
- Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
- care plans from social care teams
- social housing letters/assessment reports from a local authority
- letters from other professionals involved in the individual's care
- personal independence payment (PIP) decision letters/decision summary pages
- evidence of receipt of Council Tax discount for severe impairment
- evidence of any other benefits received
- risk assessment plans completed by school or care workers
Any evidence you provide must clearly be identifiable as officially relating to you (showing your name and address/date of birth formally printed by the sender). Screenshots or photos that do not adhere to this cannot be used as evidence to support your application and will be discounted.