An estimated 2 million individuals in Great Britain are affected by vision impairment or degenerative eye conditions. For many, navigating daily life becomes increasingly difficult, prompting the need for financial support.
The UK government offers assistance through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance, depending on age and circumstances.
Current Benefit Statistics for Vision Impairment
As of August 2024, official data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) indicates:
- Over 58,900 working-age adults under 65 receive PIP for visual disorders.
- More than 50,000 people over State Pension age claim Attendance Allowance for vision-related issues.
- Three out of four individuals with vision loss are aged 65 or older.
- Around 8,000 working-age individuals are officially registered as blind or partially sighted.
Challenges of Sight Loss in Older Adults
Losing eyesight later in life often leads to:
- Difficulty enjoying hobbies like driving, cooking, reading, or sports.
- Reduced mobility and independence.
- Inability to travel without assistance.
While PIP includes a mobility component, Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility support but still helps manage care-related needs.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit available to individuals over State Pension age who have a physical or mental disability that requires support with daily living. Key features:
- No requirement to have a carer.
- Doesn’t impact State Pension or existing income.
- Exempt from the Benefit Cap.
- Payments are made every four weeks.
Eligibility Criteria for Attendance Allowance
You can apply if you:
- Need help or supervision during the day or night.
- Struggle with personal tasks like bathing, eating, dressing, or mobility inside the home.
- Experience pain, need physical support, or take longer to complete basic tasks.
Eligible conditions include:
- Mental health issues
- Learning disabilities
- Sensory impairments (e.g. blindness or deafness)
How Much Can You Receive?
| Care Needs | Weekly Payment | Monthly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate (day/night help) | £73.90 | £295.60 |
| Higher Rate (day & night help) | £110.40 | £441.60 |
The funds can be used freely for personal needs such as:
- Paying taxi fares.
- Hiring home assistance (cleaners or gardeners).
- Managing daily bills.
Do Savings or Employment Affect My Claim?
- No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested.
- Income and savings do not impact eligibility.
- You can still work and receive the benefit.
Does Attendance Allowance Increase Other Benefits?
Yes. It may boost the amount you receive from:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
Sight Loss Conditions Covered by Benefits
There are over 45 recognized eye conditions that qualify for disability-related benefits, including:
Most Common Conditions
- Cataracts
- Macular Degeneration (wet and dry)
- Myopia and Hypermetropia
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
Other Recognized Conditions
- Keratitis and Keratoconus
- Optic Neuritis and Optic Atrophy
- Retinal Detachment
- Strabismus (Squint)
- Tunnel Vision, Hemianopia
- Diplopia (Double Vision)
- Nystagmus, Scotoma
Even if your condition isn’t listed, it may still qualify for financial support.
Where Are Attendance Allowance Claimants Located?
According to August 2024 data:
| Region | Claimants |
|---|---|
| England | 42,934 |
| Wales | 4,654 |
| Scotland | 3,256 |
| Living Abroad | 149 |
| Total | 50,993 |
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Step-by-Step Guide
- Request a claim form by post or phone via Gov.uk.
- Fill in the detailed application form — help is available via Citizens Advice.
- Provide detailed explanations of your daily care needs.
Tip: If you’re approaching State Pension age, apply for PIP first, as it offers broader support including mobility.
Who Cannot Claim Attendance Allowance?
You are ineligible if you already receive:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
In these cases, your existing benefits will be reviewed instead of receiving Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance plays a vital role in supporting older adults with visual impairments. Whether it’s macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic eye disease, eligible claimants can receive up to £441.60 per month to manage daily care.
Since the benefit isn’t means-tested, it’s a valuable resource even if you have other income or savings. Understanding the claim process and knowing the qualifying conditions ensures that no one misses out on this crucial support.
FAQs
Yes, you can claim it while employed. The benefit is not impacted by income or employment status.
No, Attendance Allowance is only for care-related needs. It doesn’t provide extra funds specifically for mobility support.
Yes, you can fill out the application for someone else, provided you have their permission or you act on their behalf officially.
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