Millions of people with a Blue Badge can apply for little-known travel boost

Over 235,700 Blue Badge holders in Scotland might be unaware of a hidden travel perk that their permit can unlock. Disabled individuals residing in could be eligible for free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card.

While eligibility is typically linked to the level of award for a disability benefit such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance, Blue Badge holders may also qualify.

According to Transport Scotland's website, all you need is your Blue Badge, or your latest V11 vehicle licensing reminder from DVLA or DLA404 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), when applying for the National Entitlement Card. It further advises: "A valid Blue Badge issued outside Scotland, in the rest of the UK or by the authorities of another EU member state will be acceptable."

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Full details on eligibility and how to apply for the National Entitlement Card can be found. If you do not have a Blue Badge, full guidance on eligibility can be found on MyGov.Scot

Disabled people eligibility

If you're a resident in Scotland and meet one of the following criteria, you are entitled to free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card:

• You receive a qualifying DWP benefit - Attendance Allowance, PIP, War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, or the higher rate of the mobility component or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
• You receive a qualifying Social Security Scotland benefit - Pension Age Disability payment, Adult Disability Payment, or receive the higher rate of the mobility component or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment

Blue Badge eligibility

If you're living with a physical disability or health condition that impacts your ability to walk, or if you have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's, you might be eligible for a Blue Badge. This badge can help you park closer to your destinations.

As a Blue Badge holder, whether you're the driver or passenger, you can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions.

Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?

In some instances, you might automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, while in others, your local council will assess your eligibility. This could involve attending a mobility assessment and meeting with a healthcare professional.

You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you:

• are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
• are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
• get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment
• get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment
• get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
• get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
• get Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the Moving Around activity or 12 points in the Planning and Following a Journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
• get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
• get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
• got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability

If you don't meet the automatic eligibility criteria, you might still be able to get a Blue Badge under certain circumstances. For instance, if you: have a significant disability lasting at least 12 months that prevents you from walking; have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that makes you virtually unable to walk; regularly drive but cannot use parking meters due to severe disability in both arms; are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to stay close to a vehicle for medical treatment; are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that can't be carried around; or have a mental health condition that causes you to lack awareness of traffic dangers when travelling.