Help with travel
We hope the information below will give you some idea on how to apply for help with travel and some information on the criteria and evidence that we need to see. If you have any questions or queries at all, please contact us via one of the methods mentioned under each section.
Disabled Person's (Blue Badge) Car Parking Badges
From the 15 October 2007 there are changes to the Blue Badge scheme regulations. For more information on this please see the changes -new Blue Badge scheme regulations page.
How to apply
You can download an application form at the bottom of this page plus the following gives some guidance on the assessment process (if you do not meet the automatic criteria)
There have recently been a number of changes to the criteria for the receipt of a Blue Badge, for those customers who need further assessment, to maximise the consistency of assessment across England. This could mean that applicants who were issued a Blue Badge previously may not now qualify.
Walking Disability
The Department of Transport views the widespread practice of using an applicant’s GP to verify that an individual meets the criteria for a Blue Badge as wholly unsatisfactory as it can compromise the doctor/patient relationship and create inconsistency of assessment. In line with their guidance we do not accept information from your GP.
If you are applying for a Blue Badge under the walking disability criterion, you will need to show that:
- You cannot walk; or
- You are unable to walk very far without experiencing severe discomfort; or
- The physical effort needed to walk could damage your health.
The degree of impairment should be at a comparable level to that required to claim the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance.
In all cases, entitlement depends on your difficulty in walking, and considerations such as difficulty in carrying parcels cannot be taken into account, the condition also has to be permanent and substantial.
We will initially contact you by telephone to assess your eligibility against the criteria.
Should you have any questions or queries regarding your application, or anything else you are unsure about, please contact us on (0114) 273 4897 or by e-mail at carbadge@sheffield.gov.uk, or visit us at First Point, Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield S1 2SH. First Point is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 5.30 (excluding Bank Holidays) and our telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 8.45 – 5.15 (excluding Bank Holidays).
Already applied?
If you have already applied for this service and want to check progress, change your details, or make further enquiries, please fill in our online enquiry form and we'll get back to you.
Walk in service
If you receive any of the following:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
- Higher Rate Attendance Allowance
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
or
- You are Registered Blind
You can get a disabled person's car parking badge from the First Point reception at Howden House, Union Street. All you need to do is take your completed application form (available to download at the bottom of this page), passport photographs and fee and they will assess your eligibility straight away.
If you do not meet the criteria above then you may need to go for further assessment and will not be able to use the same day service, however you can still hand your completed form in at First Point.
Where can I park with my blue badge?
There are a number of car parks and on-street parking bays that you can use. Please visit the Blue Badge holders parking page for more information.
Mobility Pass (Bus and Rail)
People who may qualify for a mobility pass are
- people registered as blind or partially sighted
- deaf people who are registered with Social Services
- people with a learning disability who are registered with Social Services
- people with a disability, or injuries which have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to walk
- people who have lost the use of both arms
- people banned from driving because of a health problem
- people without speech.
How to apply
You can download an application form at the bottom of this page and either post it to the address given, or take your completed form together with evidence of eligibility to First Point at Howden House.
Again they can assess your eligibility immediately and if you qualify can give you authorisation to take to the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive who will arrange for your permit to be sent out to you. For more information you can call Customer Services on (0114) 273 4908.
Already applied?
If you have already applied for this service and want to check progress, change your details, or make further enquiries, please fill in our online enquiry form and we'll get back to you.
If your application is successful most mobility passes are issued for five years. However where your supporting evidence/eligibility has an end date your pass will be issued up to that date. For example, if your Department of Work and Pensions letter states you get higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance for four months, your mobility pass will be issued for four months. You would then have to reapply if you're still eligible.
If you receive Disability Living Allowance with the higher rate care component or high rate attendance allowance you will be eligible to have a carer travel with you free of charge. You must send us a copy of the letter from the Department of Work and Pensions which confirms the type and level of benefit you are getting.
Radar Keys
How to apply
The scheme was developed because some public toilets designed for disabled people had to be locked to prevent damage and misuse. This has been countered by their being locked separately from other toilets. The National Key Scheme aims to provide disabled key holders with independent access to the toilets provided for them and increase the likelihood of the facilities being in a useable state.
In Person
You can call into First Point at Howden House on Union Street in Sheffield City Centre (opening hours Monday to Friday 8.30 – 5.30) The cost is £3.45 for a key and information pack, or £3.00 if you sign the declaration stating you are disabled and therefore eligible for VAT relief.
Web
An application and declaration form can be completed on line at RADAR the disability network. You will need to use a credit or debit card for payment and tell them what your disability is.
By Letter
You can also write to Radar direct, again giving details of your disability.
The completed form then needs to be returned to RADAR at 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF.
The charges for applications via the web or in writing are slightly higher as you need to pay for postage. These are
- £3.50 (excluding VAT)
- £4.11 (including VAT)
There are penalties for making false declarations. If you are in any doubt as to whether you are eligible to receive goods or services zero-rated for VAT you should contact the National VAT Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 before ordering a key with declaration from this website.
If you have any queries at all, you can contact us by email at carbadge@sheffield.gov.uk – we will answer all enquiries within 3 working days, or telephone us on (0114) 273 4908 where one of our customer service team will be more than happy to help. Or you can ring Radar direct on 020 7250 3222.
Children and Young People
- More information about bus passes and home to school transport for children and young people.
- More information about travel expenses for young people aged 16-18.
- More information about travel expenses for students.
Older People
For more information about free travel passes for anyone over 60 visit the Travel South Yorkshire website, or call into your nearest Travel Information Centre.
Mental Health
For more information about a travel pass for people with a mental health problem, visit our mental health bus pass web page.
Community Transport
Detailed information about community transport providers in Sheffield is available from the Help Yourself Website, under the category community transport providers.
Downloads
Please fill in this application form if you want to apply for a disabled person's car parking permit. (223 KB)
Please fill in this application form to apply for a mobility permit to use on the bus or train. (210 KB)
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