Can I Get a Blue Badge on PIP?

Yes, you can get a Blue Badge if you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), but receiving PIP does not automatically qualify everyone. Whether you qualify without further assessment depends on the mobility activity and the points you were awarded. The rules also differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For example, 8 points or more in the PIP “moving around” activity can establish automatic Blue Badge eligibility throughout the UK. However, the rules for “planning and following journeys” are different: England recognises a specific 10-point descriptor, while Scotland and Wales recognise qualifying 12-point awards.

If your PIP award does not meet the automatic criteria, that does not necessarily mean you cannot get a Blue Badge. You may still qualify following an assessment of how your disability or health condition affects your ability to walk, undertake journeys or remain safe.

This guide explains the PIP points needed for a Blue Badge, the rules in each UK nation, whether standard-rate or enhanced-rate PIP qualifies, what evidence you need and how to apply.

If you are ready to submit an application, see our step-by-step guide to applying for a Blue Badge online.

Do you automatically get a Blue Badge on PIP?

Not always. Receiving PIP may provide automatic Blue Badge eligibility, but only if your award satisfies the relevant national criteria.

PIP has two components:

• Daily living: helps with extra costs associated with difficulties carrying out everyday activities.
• Mobility: covers difficulties with moving around and planning or following journeys.

The mobility component contains two separately assessed activities:

1. Planning and following journeys.
2. Moving around.

For automatic Blue Badge eligibility, the important information is the specific score or descriptor awarded for an individual mobility activity.

You cannot simply combine points from unrelated PIP activities to reach a Blue Badge threshold.

For example, having eight daily living points does not automatically qualify you for a Blue Badge. Having eight points specifically in the “moving around” activity can.

Automatic eligibility also does not mean automatic badge delivery. You still need to apply, provide the required personal information and have your eligibility verified.

How many PIP points do you need for a Blue Badge?

The following table summarises the published automatic PIP eligibility criteria across the four UK nations.

This table covers automatic eligibility through PIP. People who do not meet these thresholds may still qualify through other Blue Badge criteria.

The key distinction is between the “moving around” activity and the “planning and following journeys” activity.

The eight-point moving-around criterion is recognised across the four nations.

The journey-related criteria are more complicated because the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish schemes do not use identical automatic eligibility rules.

Can I get a Blue Badge with 8, 10 or 12 PIP points?

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that the number of points is the only thing that matters.

In reality, the relevant PIP activity and, in England, the particular journey descriptor are essential.

The table illustrates why looking at your total PIP award is insufficient.

For example, someone with 12 points for planning and following journeys may qualify automatically in Scotland or Wales but need further assessment in England.

Conversely, a person with eight points for moving around can meet the automatic eligibility threshold regardless of which UK nation administers their Blue Badge application.

Can I get a Blue Badge on PIP in England?

In England, PIP provides automatic Blue Badge eligibility through two specific mobility criteria.

You qualify without further assessment if you receive:

• 8 points or more under the PIP “moving around” activity; or
• exactly 10 points for descriptor E under the “planning and following journeys” activity.

These criteria are set out in Department for Transport guidance for England.

The 8-point Moving Around rule

If you received at least eight points in the PIP “moving around” activity, you qualify for a Blue Badge without further assessment of that eligibility criterion.

The relevant PIP mobility descriptors include:

• 8 points: can stand and then move unaided more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres.
• 10 points: can stand and then move using an aid or appliance more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres.
• 12 points: can stand and then move more than one metre but no more than 20 metres, either aided or unaided.
• 12 points: cannot stand or cannot move more than one metre, even with assistance or an aid.

These are descriptions used in the PIP assessment criteria.

You do not need exactly eight points. A qualifying score of eight, ten or twelve points under the moving-around activity meets the relevant English Blue Badge criterion.

The England 10-point descriptor E rule

England has a separate automatic eligibility route for people awarded a specific PIP descriptor involving overwhelming psychological distress.

This is descriptor E of the planning and following journeys activity.

The descriptor is:

Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress to the claimant.

This descriptor carries 10 PIP points.

If your PIP award includes this specific descriptor, you qualify automatically for a Blue Badge in England.

This may be relevant to people with particular non-visible disabilities, including some mental-health, developmental, cognitive or neurological conditions, depending on their assessed circumstances.

However, receiving another planning-and-journeys score does not automatically qualify you under the English descriptor E rule.

In particular, a score of 12 points for a different planning-and-following-journeys descriptor does not automatically establish Blue Badge eligibility in England.

You may still qualify through another route requiring further assessment.

Why 12 journey points do not automatically qualify in England

The distinction can seem confusing because 12 is a higher score than 10.

However, England does not operate a general rule stating that any applicant who receives at least 10 points for planning and following journeys automatically qualifies.

Instead, its automatic criterion refers specifically to descriptor E.

A different descriptor carrying 12 points reflects different journey-related difficulties and does not meet that particular automatic criterion.

The applicant can still apply through another relevant eligibility route, where the council considers the difficulties and supporting evidence.

For the full application process, see how to apply for a Blue Badge in England.

Can I get a Blue Badge on PIP in Scotland?

Scotland recognises different automatic PIP criteria for planning and following journeys.

According to mygov.scot, you automatically qualify if you receive:

• 8 points or more for moving around; or
• 12 points for planning and following a journey.

This is an important difference from England.

For example, someone awarded 12 points for planning and following a journey can satisfy Scotland’s automatic Blue Badge criterion even though that same score would not, by itself, provide automatic eligibility in England.

Scotland also has some specific transitional provisions for people who previously received the higher-rate mobility component of DLA.

If you are affected by a transition from DLA to PIP, check the current Scottish eligibility rules rather than assuming your circumstances are covered by the ordinary points criteria alone.

What about Adult Disability Payment (ADP)?

Scotland has been replacing PIP with Adult Disability Payment (ADP) for eligible residents.

ADP is administered by Social Security Scotland and is separate from PIP, although it has corresponding mobility assessment activities.

According to mygov.scot, you automatically qualify for a Blue Badge through ADP if you receive:

• 8 points or more in the moving around activity;
• 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity; or
• the enhanced rate of the mobility component under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness.

Other qualifying Scottish disability benefits can also provide Blue Badge eligibility.

For example, Scotland recognises qualifying awards of Child Disability Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.

Official guidance: mygov.scot — Who automatically qualifies for a Blue Badge.

See how to apply for a Blue Badge in Scotland for the complete procedure.

Can I get a Blue Badge on PIP in Wales?

Wales recognises two automatic PIP eligibility routes.

You qualify without further assessment if you receive:

• 8 points or more for the moving around activity; or
• 12 points for planning and following a journey.

Welsh Government guidance confirms these criteria.

The Welsh planning-and-journeys rule is therefore different from England’s specific 10-point descriptor E requirement.

For example, a person with 12 points for planning and following a journey may qualify automatically in Wales, while the same score would not automatically establish eligibility in England.

Wales also has other eligibility routes for applicants who do not receive a qualifying PIP award.

These include circumstances involving substantial walking difficulties, severe cognitive impairment, terminal illness and certain qualifying temporary mobility difficulties.

An individual Blue Badge is free in Wales. You do not need to pay a commercial website to submit an application.

Official information: GOV.WALES — Blue Badge eligibility.

Read how to apply for a Blue Badge in Wales for the application process.

Can I get a Blue Badge on PIP in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland has its own Blue Badge eligibility rules.

According to nidirect, you qualify through an automatic PIP criterion if you receive:

• 8 points or more under the moving around activity of the PIP mobility component.

Northern Ireland does not use the same automatic 10-point descriptor E route as England or the 12-point planning-and-journey route used in Scotland and Wales.

However, this does not mean applicants with serious journey-related difficulties are automatically excluded.

What if I have serious difficulties planning or following journeys?

Northern Ireland also recognises certain circumstances involving difficulty planning and following journeys.

For example, its published criteria include situations where:

• undertaking a journey would cause overwhelming psychological distress and the applicant needs another person’s help; or
• journey difficulties could put the applicant or other people in danger.

These circumstances may require additional assessment or supporting information.

You should not assume that a particular PIP journey score automatically establishes entitlement under these separate criteria.

What PIP evidence is needed in Northern Ireland?

Nidirect specifically requires a PIP Statement of Entitlement showing the points awarded for relevant applications under the PIP eligibility route.

This is different from the current Searchlight verification arrangements for qualifying online applications in England.

Official guidance: nidirect — Blue Badge eligibility criteria.

See how to apply for a Blue Badge in Northern Ireland for the separate application procedure.

Can I get a Blue Badge with standard-rate PIP?

Yes, potentially. You do not necessarily need enhanced-rate PIP mobility to qualify automatically for a Blue Badge.

This is because the Blue Badge automatic eligibility rules look at specific PIP activity scores and descriptors, rather than simply the overall name of the mobility award.

For example, someone awarded:

• 8 points in the moving around activity; and
• no additional mobility points;

could receive the standard rate of the PIP mobility component and still satisfy the automatic Blue Badge moving-around criterion.

The important information is the award breakdown.

Similarly, someone receiving standard-rate mobility PIP through England’s specific descriptor E can qualify automatically under that criterion.

Do not rely only on whether your award letter says “standard rate” or “enhanced rate”. Check which activity produced the points.

Does enhanced-rate PIP mobility automatically qualify you?

Not in every case.

The enhanced rate of PIP mobility can be awarded through different combinations of mobility activity scores.

Some recipients qualify for a Blue Badge without further assessment because their moving-around score is eight points or more.

Others may receive enhanced-rate mobility because of their planning-and-following-journeys score.

For example, a person who receives 12 points in planning and following journeys but does not have a qualifying moving-around award:

• England: does not automatically qualify through the 12-point journey score alone.
• Scotland: can meet the automatic eligibility criterion.
• Wales: can meet the automatic eligibility criterion.
• Northern Ireland: does not automatically qualify through that journey score alone, but may satisfy separate eligibility criteria.

Therefore, enhanced mobility PIP and automatic Blue Badge eligibility are not interchangeable terms.

Does PIP daily living qualify you for a Blue Badge?

Receiving only the PIP daily living component does not establish automatic Blue Badge eligibility through PIP.

Daily living points are awarded for activities such as:

• preparing food;
• washing and bathing;
• dressing;
• managing treatment;
• communicating;
• other specified daily living activities.

These points do not count towards the automatic moving-around or planning-and-following-journeys criteria.

However, someone who receives only the daily living component may still qualify for a Blue Badge under another eligibility route.

For example, their disability may cause very considerable walking difficulties or relevant journey-related safety problems that meet the national criteria following further assessment.

Not receiving PIP mobility does not automatically prevent you from applying for a Blue Badge.

What if my PIP points are too low for automatic Blue Badge eligibility?

You may still qualify for a Blue Badge.

Not satisfying an automatic PIP threshold is different from failing to satisfy every available Blue Badge eligibility criterion.

Depending on where you live, you may qualify following further assessment because your disability causes:

• an inability to walk;
• very considerable difficulty walking;
• severe pain during or after walking;
• significant breathlessness;
• serious mobility limitations;
• relevant dangers to health or safety;
• overwhelming psychological distress during journeys;
• significant support or supervision needs;
• other qualifying journey-related difficulties.

These criteria are not identical throughout the UK.

For example, an English council assessing walking difficulties may consider walking distance, speed, time taken, manner of walking, pain, breathlessness and relevant health risks.

For certain non-visible disabilities, the assessment may focus on the difficulties and dangers experienced during journeys.

Your PIP decision may still provide useful supporting information even when it does not establish eligibility automatically.

See what illnesses and disabilities may qualify for a Blue Badge.

What if I receive PIP for a non-visible disability?

People with non-visible disabilities can qualify for a Blue Badge, but the diagnosis or PIP award alone does not guarantee eligibility.

Non-visible disabilities can include certain mental-health, neurological, cognitive or developmental conditions.

In England, the Blue Badge eligibility criteria were expanded in 2019 to better recognise qualifying difficulties associated with non-visible disabilities.

However, the relevant criteria are concerned with how the person’s condition affects walking or journeys.

For example, an applicant may experience:

• overwhelming psychological distress;
• serious difficulty undertaking journeys;
• danger to their own safety;
• danger to other people;
• a need for substantial assistance or supervision in relevant circumstances.

Supporting evidence may need to explain the frequency, severity and practical effects of these difficulties.

Receiving PIP points because of a non-visible disability can be useful evidence, but the issuing authority must still apply the relevant national Blue Badge criteria.

How do I find my PIP mobility points?

Check your PIP decision letter or Statement of Entitlement.

Look for the section describing your mobility component.

It should identify the assessment results for:

• Planning and following journeys;
• Moving around.

Check both the points and the descriptor associated with each activity.

For example, your mobility breakdown might show:

In this example, the eight moving-around points meet the automatic Blue Badge threshold across the four UK nations.

Now consider a different example:

In this second example, the 12 journey points provide an automatic Blue Badge route in Scotland and Wales, but not through the same automatic PIP criteria in England or Northern Ireland.

That is why the detailed points breakdown matters more than the total mobility score alone.

Do I need to upload my PIP award letter?

It depends on where you live and the application process used.

Evidence requirements have changed in England, while other UK nations continue to operate their own procedures.

England: Searchlight verification from April 2025

From 1 April 2025, English applicants with a qualifying PIP award should no longer normally be asked to upload their PIP award letter when completing the online Blue Badge application.

Instead, the Department for Transport instructs local authorities to use DWP Searchlight to verify the award.

Searchlight is a Department for Work and Pensions system that allows authorised local authority staff to check relevant benefit information.

This change means that qualifying applicants can avoid uploading information that the council is able to verify electronically.

However:

• you still need to provide the normal application information;
• the authority must establish that your PIP award meets the qualifying criterion;
• additional information may be requested if verification is unsuccessful or clarification is necessary;
• other eligibility routes may require different supporting evidence.

Keep your PIP award information available even if the online application does not ask you to upload the letter.

Official guidance: Department for Transport — Blue Badge local authority guidance for England.

Scotland

Scottish applicants may need to provide copies of benefit or health-related documents depending on the application route.

These may include relevant PIP or ADP award details.

Follow the document instructions provided by mygov.scot and your local council.

Wales

Welsh Government guidance identifies benefit award information as evidence for the relevant automatic PIP criteria.

The specific evidence requirements depend on the application route and the local authority.

Do not assume that the English Searchlight guidance replaces the Welsh application instructions.

Northern Ireland

Nidirect instructs applicants using the relevant PIP route to provide a PIP Statement of Entitlement detailing the points awarded.

New applications and certain renewal routes may require this evidence.

For a complete document checklist, see what documents you need for a Blue Badge application.

How to apply for a Blue Badge if you receive PIP

The application process depends on your nation, but the main steps are similar.

1. Check your PIP mobility scores. Look at the moving-around and planning-and-following-journeys activities.
2. Identify the correct national criteria. Do not assume the England rules apply throughout the UK.
3. Check your eligibility route. Determine whether you qualify without further assessment or need additional consideration.
4. Prepare your application details. You may need proof of identity, proof of address, a recent photograph and benefit information.
5. Provide or permit verification of your PIP entitlement. Follow the instructions used by your issuing authority.
6. Explain your difficulties where necessary. If you are applying under an assessed route, describe the relevant effects on walking or journeys.
7. Submit the application through the official service. Keep any confirmation or reference number.

Official application links

For most applications in England, Scotland and Wales, use the official GOV.UK application service:

In Scotland, certain applications involving someone at risk in traffic must be made directly through the local council.

For Northern Ireland, use the separate nidirect service:

Our main Blue Badge online application guide explains each stage in greater detail.

Do I need a mobility assessment if I receive PIP?

Not necessarily.

If your qualifying PIP award establishes eligibility without further assessment, the issuing authority should not normally need to reassess the mobility or journey difficulty already recognised under that automatic criterion.

However, you must still complete the application and provide any required identity, photograph, address or other administrative information.

If your PIP award does not satisfy an automatic eligibility criterion, the authority may assess your application using other relevant rules.

This might involve:

• additional questions about walking or journeys;
• medical or professional supporting evidence;
• an assessment by a suitably qualified professional;
• an examination of relevant safety risks;
• further information from you or someone who supports you.

An assessment is not automatically a sign that your application will be rejected.

For more information, see what happens at a Blue Badge assessment.

Can a Blue Badge application be refused even if I receive PIP?

Yes. Receiving PIP does not guarantee Blue Badge approval in every case.

Possible reasons for refusal include:

• your PIP award does not meet the relevant automatic Blue Badge threshold;
• your journey descriptor does not qualify under your nation’s automatic rules;
• the authority cannot verify the required benefit information;
• your application is missing important documents;
• your eligibility needs further assessment and the authority concludes the criteria are not met;
• another requirement of the application process has not been satisfied.

For example, an applicant in England who receives 12 points for planning and following journeys but does not meet the specific descriptor E criterion may need further assessment.

The fact that the person receives enhanced-rate PIP mobility does not automatically resolve the Blue Badge eligibility question.

However, an applicant who genuinely meets a qualifying automatic PIP criterion should not be treated as ineligible merely because they have not undergone an additional walking assessment.

If you believe the authority has misunderstood your qualifying award, check the decision letter and follow the appropriate review procedure.

See how to challenge a Blue Badge refusal.

What if my PIP award changes after getting a Blue Badge?

Your PIP award and your Blue Badge are separate entitlements administered under different rules.

A Blue Badge normally has its own expiry date, which may be linked to the duration of a qualifying benefit award.

For example, in Northern Ireland, nidirect says a badge issued through a qualifying benefit that ends within three years will normally be valid only until the benefit award ends.

If your PIP award is reviewed, changed or ends, do not assume that every Blue Badge is automatically cancelled immediately or that it necessarily remains valid in every circumstance.

The relevant issuing authority’s rules and the status of your badge matter.

Check your badge expiry date and contact the issuing authority if you are uncertain whether a change in entitlement affects it.

If you are approaching the end of your current badge’s validity, read how to renew a Blue Badge.

Common mistakes when applying for a Blue Badge on PIP

The following mistakes can lead to confusion, incomplete applications or avoidable refusals.

1. Assuming every PIP recipient automatically qualifies

Not every PIP award provides automatic Blue Badge eligibility.

Check the points awarded under the mobility component and the qualifying criteria for your nation.

2. Adding unrelated PIP points together

Do not combine daily living points with mobility points to try to reach a Blue Badge threshold.

Similarly, the automatic moving-around criterion requires the relevant points within that activity.

3. Assuming standard-rate PIP cannot qualify

Standard-rate PIP mobility can provide automatic eligibility where the applicant has the relevant qualifying score or descriptor.

The name of the rate alone is not enough to determine eligibility.

4. Assuming enhanced-rate mobility always qualifies

Some enhanced-rate PIP recipients do not automatically qualify in England because their award involves a non-qualifying planning-and-following-journeys descriptor.

Always check the activity breakdown.

5. Assuming 12 journey points qualify everywhere

Scotland and Wales recognise qualifying 12-point planning-and-journey awards.

England uses the specific 10-point descriptor E route, while Northern Ireland has separate journey-related eligibility criteria.

6. Assuming any 10 PIP points qualify in England

The English automatic journey criterion requires exactly 10 points under descriptor E.

It does not apply to unrelated scores from other activities.

7. Following outdated document advice

England changed its online verification process for qualifying PIP awards on 1 April 2025.

Other nations have their own evidence arrangements.

Always follow the current instructions shown by the authority handling your application.

8. Giving up because you do not qualify automatically

Applicants who fail to meet an automatic PIP criterion may still qualify under another Blue Badge eligibility route.

If your condition causes substantial walking or journey difficulties, check the assessed criteria that apply in your nation.

For additional guidance, see common Blue Badge application mistakes to avoid.

PIP and Blue Badge eligibility checklist

Before applying, review the following:

• ☐ I know whether I receive PIP daily living, mobility or both.
• ☐ I have checked the points for Moving Around.
• ☐ I have checked the points for Planning and Following Journeys.
• ☐ I have identified the specific journey descriptor, where relevant.
• ☐ I have checked the Blue Badge rules for my UK nation.
• ☐ I understand that eight Moving Around points can provide automatic eligibility.
• ☐ I understand England’s specific descriptor E requirement.
• ☐ I understand Scotland and Wales’ 12-point journey rule.
• ☐ I understand that Northern Ireland has separate journey-related criteria.
• ☐ If I receive ADP in Scotland, I have checked the relevant Scottish criteria.
• ☐ I know whether my eligibility requires further assessment.
• ☐ I have checked which supporting documents are needed.
• ☐ I know which official application service to use.
• ☐ I will keep my application confirmation or reference number.

Official Blue Badge and PIP eligibility sources

Because the criteria differ across the UK, the most reliable approach is to consult the official guidance for your nation.

• GOV.UK — Who can get a Blue Badge in England?
• Department for Transport — PIP descriptors and Searchlight verification in England
• mygov.scot — Automatic Blue Badge eligibility through PIP and ADP
• GOV.WALES — Blue Badge eligibility and PIP points
• nidirect — Northern Ireland Blue Badge eligibility
• nidirect — Application evidence and Blue Badge procedures
• GOV.UK — Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

The bottom line

You can get a Blue Badge on PIP, but the decision depends on the relevant mobility points, descriptors and national eligibility criteria.

The key automatic PIP rules are:

• England: eight or more points for moving around, or exactly ten points under planning-and-following-journeys descriptor E.
• Scotland: eight or more points for moving around, or 12 points for planning and following a journey. Qualifying ADP awards are also recognised.
• Wales: eight or more points for moving around, or 12 points for planning and following a journey.
• Northern Ireland: eight or more points for moving around, with separate eligibility criteria for certain serious journey-related difficulties.

You do not necessarily need enhanced-rate mobility PIP, and receiving enhanced-rate mobility does not automatically qualify every applicant.

If your PIP award does not meet an automatic criterion, you may still be eligible through further assessment.

When you are ready to apply, follow our complete Blue Badge application guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do you automatically get a Blue Badge on PIP?

Not always. Automatic eligibility depends on the mobility points or descriptors in your PIP award and the rules where you live. Receiving PIP alone does not guarantee a Blue Badge.

How many PIP points do you need for a Blue Badge?

Eight points or more in Moving Around can establish automatic eligibility throughout the UK. The journey-related rules differ: England recognises exactly 10 points under descriptor E, while Scotland and Wales recognise qualifying 12-point awards.

Can I get a Blue Badge with 8 PIP points?

Yes, if the eight points were awarded under the PIP Moving Around activity. Eight points from unrelated daily living or mobility activities do not automatically satisfy that criterion.

Can I get a Blue Badge with 10 PIP points?

Ten points in Moving Around meet the automatic eligibility threshold across the UK. In England, exactly 10 points under descriptor E in Planning and Following Journeys also establish automatic eligibility.

Can I get a Blue Badge with 12 PIP points?

It depends on the activity. Twelve Moving Around points meet the automatic criterion across the UK. Twelve Planning and Following Journeys points establish automatic eligibility in Scotland and Wales, but not through the same automatic PIP route in England or Northern Ireland.

Can I get a Blue Badge with standard-rate PIP?

Yes. Standard-rate PIP mobility can qualify automatically if the relevant activity score meets the national Blue Badge criteria. For example, eight Moving Around points can be sufficient.

Does enhanced-rate PIP mobility guarantee a Blue Badge?

No. Some enhanced-rate mobility awards involve journey descriptors that do not provide automatic Blue Badge eligibility in England or Northern Ireland. Check the individual activity scores and your national criteria.

Can I get a Blue Badge if I only receive PIP daily living?

Daily living PIP alone does not provide automatic Blue Badge eligibility. However, you may qualify through an assessed route if your disability causes sufficiently serious walking or journey-related difficulties.

Do I need to upload my PIP award letter?

Requirements differ by nation. In England, qualifying online PIP awards should normally be verified through DWP Searchlight under arrangements introduced on 1 April 2025. Other nations may require benefit documents or additional evidence.

Do I need another mobility assessment if I qualify through PIP?

Normally not to establish an eligibility criterion already met through a verified qualifying PIP award. If you do not qualify automatically, the issuing authority may request further evidence or an appropriate assessment.

Can I still get a Blue Badge if my PIP points are too low?

Possibly. Not meeting an automatic PIP threshold does not necessarily make you ineligible. You may qualify following further assessment under another relevant Blue Badge criterion.

Can my Blue Badge application be refused if I receive PIP?

Yes. A refusal may occur if the PIP award does not meet the applicable automatic criteria or if another eligibility route is not established. If you believe a qualifying award was misunderstood, check the decision and request review under the relevant procedure.