You may be eligible for a handicap parking permit if a medical condition affects your ability to move around as a pedestrian. There are more medical conditions that can qualify you for a handicap parking permit than you may think. In fact, now may be the best time to research whether or not you meet the mark for permits. It’s more important now than ever that individuals who need help can reap the benefits of handicap placards. They save time, energy, and frustration, especially during this unsettling time of the coronavirus pandemic.
Though each state has its own forms and criteria, there are some general eligibility conditions to meet for disabled parking permits. You don’t have to meet all four on this list, but meeting one of these conditions will typically lead to successfully securing a placard. Check them out and see if you meet the criteria.
Chronic Pain
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, you may be able to obtain disabled parking permits. Though many people suffering from this may believe that they are not able to receive a parking permit, they can actually reap many benefits from receiving a placard. The stress of trying to get to the grocery store, especially right now, can exacerbate pain symptoms. Handicap placards can help alleviate some of that frustration and stress.
Vision Problems
Vision problems are one of the most common eligibility conditions for disabled parking permits. Though these must be documented by a licensed professional, problems such as low vision or partial sightedness are conditions that qualify for disabled parking.
Lung or Heart Disease
Lung and heart disease are the other main conditions that lead to qualifying for disabled parking. If someone needs to use portable oxygen, has to stop to rest and breathe every few hundred feet, has a severe heart or lung condition or disease, then they meet the conditions. Again, a licensed professional must verify that your condition disables your mobility in some way.
Substantially Impaired Mobility
In addition, there are other types of impaired mobility that don’t fall under the above categories. The most obvious examples are those who need to use a wheelchair, brace, or cane. There’s also the qualification if one has lost one or both of their legs or hands, or has limited use of these parts. In short, if someone has mobility problems, chances are they could qualify for handicap parking placards.
Now is the time to reach out and ask for help if you have one of the above qualifications. You don’t have to struggle with parking before heading to the grocery store or stress about traveling into town. Take the time and see if you qualify—it could make your life easier.
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