Other financial support for Adults

Living with a bleeding disorder often means dealing with unpredictable physical challenges. To make daily travel more manageable, there are several financial supports available. Here is the updated information for 2026.

Disabled parking – Blue Badge

A Blue Badge allows you to park closer to your destination, which can be vital if you are experiencing a joint bleed or long-term mobility issues. You can use it in designated on-street parking bays and most off-street car parks.

Who can apply?

You are eligible if you have a severe mobility difficulty, whether it is permanent or temporary. This includes:

  • Being unable to walk more than 50 metres.
  • Finding it very difficult to get to or from a vehicle.
  • Being registered blind or having a severe mental disability that affects your ability to park safely.

How to apply

Applications are made online through the GOV.UK website or your local council’s portal. You will need to provide documentation, such as a letter from your haematology team or another healthcare professional.

Recent update: As of March 2026, holding a Blue Badge now automatically makes you eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard. This gives you and a companion a third off most rail fares across the UK.

Costs and processing

  • Fees: These vary by region: up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, and free in Wales.
  • Validity: Badges usually last for 3 years. It is best to reapply several weeks before yours expires.

Vehicle tax support

Vehicle tax rules changed significantly in April 2025 and April 2026. Most vehicles, including electric ones, are now subject to tax, but disability exemptions still apply.

Full exemption (100% discount)

You do not have to pay any vehicle tax if you receive the enhanced rate mobility component of:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

The vehicle must be registered in your name (or a nominee’s name) and used only for your needs.

Reduced tax (50% discount)

If you receive the standard rate mobility component of PIP or ADP, you can get a 50% reduction on your vehicle tax.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

From April 2025, electric vehicles will no longer be automatically exempt from tax. However, if you meet the disability criteria above, you can still claim your 100% or 50% exemption on an electric car.

Important changes to Motability (July 2026)

If you lease a car through the Motability Scheme, please be aware that from 1 July 2026, new leases will be subject to VAT on the “Advance Payment” and Insurance Premium Tax. This may increase the upfront cost of some vehicles, though many smaller cars will remain available with no advance payment.

Useful resources

For more details and to check the latest rates, visit these official sites:

Disclaimer: The information on this page provides general guidance based on current GOV.UK sources and may change. Since benefit eligibility depends on how your condition affects your daily life personally, rather than just the diagnosis of a bleeding disorder or other illnesses, we cannot help with individual applications. We recommend you speak with your haemophilia centre nursing team, as they can often provide the medical evidence you need. You may also wish to contact a qualified advisor at Citizens Advice for further support.

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