DWP will pay people who have 'spots on their vision' £434

The Department for Work and Pensions has added age-related macular degeneration - AMD - to its list of conditions which make you eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance. The DWP has shared a list of conditions which mean you qualify.

AMD has six key signs and symptoms from gaps or dark spots in your vision to sensitivity and difficulty adjusting to light as well as a blurred or distorted spot in your vision, straight lines look wavy, seeing things that are not there (hallucinations) or colours seem duller.

Neil Laird, Special Optometrist at Pure Optical, said: “AMD generally affects those over 55, becoming increasingly more common the older you get as your macula begins to deteriorate. This condition affects the middle of your vision, leading to blurring or black spots that can make it hard to read, recognise faces or drive, and as it progresses, puts sufferers at risk of falls and other injuries.”

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Mr Laird continued: “Depending on their age and the severity of the disease, those with AMD can receive up to £108.55 per week, or £434.20 per month to cover extra living costs, such as paying for a carer, transport, or adaptations to the home.

“Those over 16 but under the current state pension age of 66 can apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), while those 66+ can apply for Attendance Allowance. Both have a lower rate of £72.65 and a higher rate of £108.55, meaning those with AMD could receive either £3,777.80 or £5,644.60 per year.”

Previously Dame Judi Dench revealed she finds it difficult to see on film sets now due to her condition. "I mean, I can't see on a film set anymore. And I can't see to read. So I can't see much," the James Bond actor told The Mirror. "But, you know, you just deal with it. Get on. It's difficult for me if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script. But I have a photographic memory."