Up to two million Brits are currently living with eyesight problems or a degenerative eye condition. While thousands of adults under the age of 65 are receiving additional financial aid through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and thousands more of State Pension age receive Attendance Allowance, there could be many more people missing out on crucial payments.
Three out of four individuals with a visual impairment are aged over 65, with approximately 8,000 people of working age registered as blind or partially sighted. For those who lose their sight later in life, it can be incredibly distressing as they feel they can no longer participate in some of their favourite activities, such as driving, engaging in sports, reading and cooking.
Mobility can also be impacted, potentially leading to issues with independence and travel, although it’s important to note that the dedicated disability benefit for people over State Pension age – Attendance Allowance – does not include a component for mobility needs, reports the Daily Record.
Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), currently provides additional financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain.
Attendance Allowance aims to aid those of State Pension age with daily living costs and can also help them maintain their independence at home for longer.
Eye conditions that could mean you qualify for Attendance Allowance
There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults nationwide, these include:
Diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus
- Conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus – Other diseases of / type not known
- Corneal ulceration
- Entropion
- Herpes zoster – ophthalmic
- Keratitis
- Keratoconus
- Orbital cellulitis
- Ptosis
- Scleritis
Uveitis
- Anterior Uveitis (iritis)
- Chorioretinal disorders – Other / type not known
- Posterior (choroiditis)
Glaucoma
Visual injuries to the eye
Vitreous disease
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Vitreous disease – Other / type not known
- Vitreous haemorrhage
Diseases of the retina and optic nerve
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Optic atrophy
- Optic neuritis
- Retina and optic nerve – Other diseases of / type not known
- Retinal artery occlusion
- Retinal detachment
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Retinopathy – Other / type not known
Cataract
Refractive errors
- Astigmatism
- Hypermetropia (long-sighted)
- Myopia (short-sighted)
- Presbyopia
- Refractive errors – Other / type not known
Disorders of eye movement
- Eye movement – Other disorders of / type not known
- Nystagmus
- Strabismus (Squint)
Visual field defects
- Amblyopia
- Cortical blindness
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Hemianopia
- Quadrantanopia
- Scotoma
- Tunnel vision
- Visual field defects – Other / type not known
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 severe myopia (short sightedness), you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to care for 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 require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently receive that help.
This might include:
- Assistance with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet.
- 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:
- a mental health condition
- learning difficulties
- a sensory condition – if you are deaf or blind
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on the level of care you require due to your condition, which is paid every four weeks and equates to £296.60 and £441.60 respectively. The money can be spent however you wish and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period. This could include:
- paying for taxis
- contributing towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
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. In fact, the other benefits you receive might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
- Extra Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit Reduction
- Council Tax Reduction
How do I make a claim?
Applying for Attendance Allowance involves filling out a lengthy claim form, but don’t let that deter you. Assistance is readily available from your local Citizens Advice.
If you’d rather handle it yourself, there’s a guide on how to complete the form on the Citizens Advice website. You can find comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or phone on the Gov.uk website.
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