People over State Pension age with eyesight issues could be due up to £434 extra each month

People over State Pension age with eyesight issues could be due up to £434 extra each month. An estimated two million people in Great Britain are living with eyesight issues or a degenerative eye condition. More than 59,000 working-age adults receive extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while nearly 50,000 people over State Pension age receive regular payments through Attendance Allowance.

Three out of four people with a visual impairment are over 65 years old, with around 8,000 people of working age registered as blind or partially sighted. Losing sight in later life can be distressing as it hinders activities like driving, sports, reading, and cooking. Mobility issues may arise, affecting independence and travel. However, Attendance Allowance, a dedicated disability benefit for those over State Pension age, does not cover mobility needs.

Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), assists over 1.6 million people across Great Britain, including 143,724 in Scotland. It aims to support daily living expenses and independence for older individuals. Latest DWP data shows that around 49,677 people received payments for a ‘Visual Disorder or Disease’ in February 2024. This includes claimants in Scotland, England, Wales, and living abroad.

There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults, including cataracts, myopia, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. If someone under State Pension age has a sight condition, they should consider claiming PIP or ADP. For those over State Pension age, including those with severe short-sightedness or blurry vision, making a claim for Attendance Allowance could be beneficial.

Attendance Allowance assists with extra costs for individuals with severe disabilities or illnesses that make self-care challenging, excluding mobility needs. It is not means-tested and can be claimed by individuals even if they are still working or have savings. Claiming Attendance Allowance does not affect State Pension and may increase other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.

To claim Attendance Allowance, individuals need to complete a claim form, with support available from Citizens Advice if needed. If reaching State Pension age and considering applying for Attendance Allowance, claiming PIP might be more suitable. Individuals who are already receiving PIP or DLA for care cannot claim Attendance Allowance. The eligibility criteria for benefits like PIP or DLA should be met for renewal or a new claim for Attendance Allowance.

In summary, Attendance Allowance provides crucial financial support to older individuals with eyesight issues, helping them maintain independence and cover extra costs associated with their condition. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, eligible individuals can access the support they need to improve their quality of life and well-being.