If you are living with sight loss there are a wide range of benefits and concessions that you might be able to access. These can range from discounts on travel and your TV licence to tax allowances and more. We can work with you to identify the benefits you may be entitled to and can help you apply.
Personal Independence Payment
PIP is a benefit aimed at helping you with the extra costs caused by illness or disability, including sight loss. It has replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It is for people aged 16 or over and under the state pension age when they make a claim. This is not means tested.
Attendance Allowance
You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if you have reached state pension age and need help to do things, like choosing clothes, reading and replying to mail, walking around safely and taking part in social activities. Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit, so it does not matter how much other income or savings you have.
Universal Credit
The government has now replaced several working-age benefits with a single new benefit called Universal Credit. You may be eligible for it if you are not working or on a low income. It does not matter whether you are in or out of work. It has replaced the following existing benefits, which are now known as “legacy benefits”: Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incomerelated Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing benefit.
Blind Persons Tax Allowance
You are entitled to the Blind Person’s Tax Allowance if you are registered blind or severely sight impaired with your local council. Having the allowance means you can earn more before you start paying tax. For this tax year the allowance is £2870. This is added to your personal tax allowance. Unfortunately, the allowance will not be given to you. You have to claim it.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a benefit for anyone who has reached the qualifying age and has a relatively low income. You may get it even if you have some savings and modest retirement income. It can be paid on top of your state retirement pension.
Travel
The Disabled Person’s Railcard gives at least one third off the price of certain rail tickets for the cardholder, and an accompanying adult where applicable, in England, Wales and Scotland.
Car parking – the Blue Badge scheme
If you are registered as severely sight impaired, you could be eligible to apply for the Blue Badge scheme. Although the Blue Badge would be in your name and you would be unable to drive yourself because of your sight loss, you can use it in any vehicle in which you travel.
TV Licence
If you are severely sight impaired and can provide the appropriate evidence, you are eligible to apply for a 50% concession. Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you. If you are partially sighted (sight impaired) you are not eligible.
If you would like support with claiming benefits please call us on 0118 987 2803 or email info@berkshirevision.org.uk and a Sight Loss Support Officer will be able to help.
