by It is estimated that around two million people across Great Britain struggle with vision problems or a degenerative eye condition. More than 59,000 adults under the age of 65 who are still of working age are receiving additional financial help through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Age Disability Payment (ADP).
Meanwhile, almost 50,000 people over State Pension age are receiving regular payments through the Attendance Allowance.
Three quarters of those with a visual impairment are over 65 years of age, and around 8,000 people of working age are registered as blind or partially sighted. For adults who lose their sight later in life, it can be extremely distressing as they feel unable to take part in activities they once enjoyed, such as driving, sports, reading and cooking.
It can also affect mobility, which can cause independence and travel problems. However, it is important to note that the dedicated disability benefit for those over State Pension age – Attendance Allowance – does not include a component for mobility needs.
Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit. It currently provides extra financial support to more than 1.6 million people across Great Britain, including 143,724 who live in Scotland, reports the Daily Record.
The benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with everyday living costs and can help them maintain their independence at home for longer.
Older individuals claiming Attendance Allowance for sight loss conditions
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in February 2024 a total of 49,677 people were receiving £68.10 or £101.75 per week due to ‘Visual Disorder or Disease’.
This overall number includes claimants who:
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Scotland: 4,526
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England: 41,862
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Wales: 3,159
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Living Abroad: 126
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Total: 49,677
Common eye conditions affecting older people
There are more than 45 eye conditions affecting adults across the country, including:
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Cataract
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Myopia (short sightedness)
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Macular Degeneration – Wet and Dry (also called age-related MD)
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Glaucoma
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Retinitis Pigmentosa
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Retina and optic nerve – other diseases of the type / not known
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Diabetic retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes)
If you, or someone you know, is under State Pension age and has a vision condition, it may be worth considering 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 vision condition, even severe myopia (short-sightedness), it may be beneficial to consider a claim for Attendance Allowance.
Vision loss conditions
These are common health issues affecting eyesight that are supported by disability benefits, but if your condition isn’t listed, it doesn’t mean it isn’t supported.
Diseases of the conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus
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Conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus – Other diseases of the type / Not known
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Corneal ulceration
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Entropion
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Zoster says – ophthalmic
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Keratitis
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Keratoconus
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Orbital cellulitis
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Ptosis
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scleritis
Uveitis
Glaucoma
Visual injuries to the eye
Vitreous disease
Diseases of the retina and optic nerve
Cataract
Refractive errors
Eye movement disorders
Defects in the visual field
Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details of claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to help with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or an illness severe enough to make self-care difficult. It is important to note, however, that this allowance does not cover mobility needs and the presence of a carer is not a prerequisite for making a claim.
Who is eligible?
If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision during the day or night, even if you are not currently receiving that help, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance.
This may include the following:
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Assistance with personal care such as dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed, bathing, showering and using the toilet.
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Help ensure your safety.
You should also consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, for example, if they take a long time, if they cause pain, or if you need physical support such as a chair to lean on.
It is worth noting that the Attendance Allowance is not only for those with a physical disability or illness. If you need help or supervision during the day or night because of a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition (such as being deaf or blind), you should also consider making a claim.
How much can be received from the Attendance Allowance?
The amount you could get ranges from £72.65 at the lowest rate to £108.55 at the highest rate. Payments are usually made every four weeks, in arrears. However, the money can be used as you see fit and could help you maintain your independence at home for longer.
The Attendance Allowance can be used for various expenses such as taxi fares, bill payments, and hiring a cleaner or gardener. Even if you have savings and other income, you can still claim the allowance. It is not means-tested, so your other financial resources do not affect your eligibility.
In addition, it is tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning it will not reduce any other benefits you receive. The Attendance Allowance will not affect your State Pension. You can claim it even while you are still employed and earning income.
If you receive Attendance Allowance, your other benefits may be increased, including Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
To make a claim, you will need to complete a lengthy claim form. Although this may seem intimidating at first, help is available from your local Citizens Advice.
If you are approaching State Pension age, there are certain considerations to take into account.
If you are thinking of applying for Attendance Allowance on reaching State Pension age, it may be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away. How much you get from PIP will depend on your personal circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you.
However, not everyone is entitled to Attendance Allowance. If you are already getting PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs, you will not qualify for Attendance Allowance.
If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving LBA, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will normally reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award ends, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.
