Copyright dailyrecord
More than 235,700 Blue Badge holders in Scotland may not be aware of a little-known travel boost the permit can unlock. People with a disability living in Scotland may be entitled to free bus journeys with the National Entitlement Card. While eligibility criteria is usually associated with - but not limited 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, people with a Blue Badge may also qualify. Guidance on the Transport Scotland website states you just need your Blue Badge, or your latest V11 vehicle licensing reminder from DVLA or DLA404 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), when you apply for the National Entitlement Card. It also 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.” Full details on eligibility and how to apply for the National Entitlement Card can be found here. If you do not have a Blue Badge, full guidance on eligibility can be found on MyGov.Scot here. 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: If you have a physical disability or health condition that affects your walking ability, or have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's, you may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go. A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or a passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays and you may be exempt from other parking restrictions. In some cases, you may automatically qualify for a Blue Badge and in others, your local council will assess your eligibility. This may include going to a mobility assessment and meeting a healthcare professional. You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you: If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances. For example, if you
