DWP Attendance Allowance worth £441 for people with poor eyesight

An estimated two million people across Great Britain are dealing with eyesight problems or degenerative eye conditions. Over 58,900 adults under the age of 65 are receiving additional financial aid through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), while more than 50,000 people above State Pension age are regularly receiving payments through Attendance Allowance.

Three-quarters of people with a visual impairment are aged over 65, with around 8,000 people of working age registered as blind or partially sighted.

For adults who lose their sight later in life, it can be incredibly distressing as they feel they can no longer participate in some of their favourite activities, such as driving, engaging in sports, reading and cooking.

Mobility can also be impacted, potentially leading to issues with independence and travel, although it's important to note that the dedicated disability benefit for people over State Pension age - Attendance Allowance - does not include a component for mobility needs, reports the Daily Record.

Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), currently provides additional financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain. The benefits aim to aid those of State Pension age with daily living costs and can also help them maintain their independence at home for longer.

Elderly people claiming Attendance Allowance for sight loss conditions

According to the most recent DWP statistics, as of August 2024, there were 50,993 people receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week for a 'Visual Disorder or Disease'.

This total figure includes claimants in:

• England: 42,934
• Wales: 4,654

• Scotland: 4,654

• Living Abroad: 149
• Total: 50,993

Common eye conditions affecting older people

There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults nationwide, these include:

• 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)

If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age has a sight condition, you should consider making a new claim for PIP - find out more here. If you, or someone you know, is over State Pension age and living with a sight condition, even severe myopia (short sightedness), you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance.

Sight loss conditions

These are common health issues affecting eyesight that are being supported through disability benefits, but if your condition is not listed, it doesn't 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

Below is a summary of the benefit and how to submit a new claim to DWP. Comprehensive information about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that it makes self-care difficult - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

Who can make a claim?

You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you do not currently receive that help.

This might include:

• Assistance with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet.
• Help to stay safe.

You should also consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on.

Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also contemplate claiming if you require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• a mental health condition.
• learning difficulties.
• a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind.

How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?

Depending on the level of care required due to your condition, you could be eligible for either £73.90 or £110.40 per week. This is paid every four weeks, equating to £296.60 and £441.60 respectively. The money can be spent as you wish and it could assist you in maintaining independence in your own home for a longer period.

This might encompass:

• paying for taxis.
• contributing towards bills.
• employing a cleaner or gardener.

Can I claim even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so your other income or the amount you have in savings doesn't matter - there's no limit. It's tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have any money deducted from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still employed and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?

If you receive Attendance Allowance, your other benefits might increase. These include:

• Extra Pension Credit.
• Housing Benefit Reduction.
• Council Tax Reduction.

You can verify your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website here.

How do I make a claim?

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. While it may seem intimidating initially, assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying.

If you'd rather handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or phone can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

What happens if I am nearing State Pension age?

If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance as you approach State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim PIP immediately. If you claim PIP and are successful, the amount you receive will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness impacts you. Learn more about claiming PIP on the GOV.UK website here.

Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?

You won't be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you already receive PIP or DLA to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead. Discover more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.