This article highlights the prevalence of eyesight issues in Great Britain, the financial support available through Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment, and provides guidance on claiming these benefits for individuals experiencing sight loss.
An estimated two million people across Great Britain are living with eyesight issues or a degenerative eye condition. Nearly 59,000 working age adults under 65 are receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) or Adult Disability Payment ( ADP ), while more than 50,000 people over State Pension age are getting regular payments through Attendance Allowance .
Three out of four people with a visual impairment are aged over 65 with around 8,000 people of working age registered blind or partially sighted. For adults that lose their sight in later life, it can be very distressing as they feel they are no longer able to enjoy some of the activities they love to do, such as driving, taking part in sports, reading and cooking. Mobility can also be affected and with that may come independence and travel issues, although it’s important to be aware that the dedicated disability benefit for people over State Pension age - Attendance Allowance - does not include a component for mobility needs. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It currently provides extra financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain, including 143,724 living in Scotland. The benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. Older people claiming Attendance Allowance for sight loss conditions The latest DWP figures show that in February 2024 there were 49,677 people receiving either £68.10 or £101.75 each week for a ‘Visual Disorder or Disease’. This overall figure includes claimants in: Attendance Allowance help to claim Common eye conditions affecting older people There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults across the country, these include: If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age has a sight condition, you should consider making a new claim for PIP or ADP - find out more here. If you, or someone you know, is over State Pension age and living with a sight condition, even really high myopia (short sightedness), you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance. Sight loss conditions These are common health issues affecting eyesight that are being supported through disability benefits, but if your condition is not listed, it doesn’t mean it’s not supported. Diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus Uveitis Glaucoma Visual injuries to the eye Vitreous disease Diseases of the retina and optic nerve Cataract Refractive errors Disorders of eye movement Visual field defects Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here. Latest Benefits News What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to claim. Who can make a claim? You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help. This might include: You should also consider applying if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also consider claiming if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? You could get either £72.65 for the lower rate or £108.55 for the higher rate. Payments are usually made in arrears, every four weeks. You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include: Can I claim even if I have savings and other income? Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. It’s tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits. Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension? No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money. How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits? The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include: You can check your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website here. State Pension News How do I make a claim? You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowanc
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