DWP could pay people with sight loss conditions up to £434 a month
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could pay people of State Pension age up to £434 a month for certain sight loss conditions. This can be done through Attendance Allowance, reports the Daily Record.
The benefit is tax-free and currently provides extra financial support to more than 1.5 million people across Great Britain. It is designed to help with extra costs for anyone with a physical or mental disability or illness that makes it hard for them to look after themselves.
This might include help with personal care, such as getting dressed or going the toilet, or help to stay safe. You could get a weekly payment of either £72.65 for the lower rate or £108.55 for the higher rate during the 2024/25 financial year.
Read more: DWP could pay up to £800 a month to millions after April change
Read more: State Pension warning as Brits told to act now to avoid 'significant financial loss'
Three in four people with a visual impairment are aged over 65, with around 8,000 working age people 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.
Common eye conditions affecting older people
The latest DWP figures show that in August 2023 there were 47,333 people receiving either £68.10 or £101.75 each week for a 'Visual Disorder or Disease'. There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults across the country, including:
Cataract
Myopia (short-sightedness)
Macular Degeneration - Wet and Dry (also referred to as age-related MD)
Glaucoma
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retina and optic nerve - other diseases of / type not known
Diabetic Retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes)
Sight loss conditions
These are common health issues affecting eyesight that are being supported through disability benefits. If your condition is not listed, it does not mean it’s not supported.
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
The amount you get will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
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