Approximately two million people in the United Kingdom suffer from impaired vision or a degenerative eye condition. More than 59,267 working-age persons under 65 receive additional financial assistance through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while 47,333 individuals over the State Pension age receive weekly assistance through Attendance Allowance.
State Pension Age Citizens Face Vision Loss Challenges Amidst Attendance Allowance Shortfall
Three out of every four people with visual impairments are above the age of 65, while approximately 8,000 people of working age are registered as blind or partially sighted. Adults who lose their sight in later life can be highly distressed because they believe they will no longer be able to enjoy some of their favourite hobbies, such as driving, participating in sports, reading, or cooking.
Mobility can also be impaired, which can lead to independence and travel concerns, but it's crucial to note that the specialised disability benefit for persons over the State Pension age, Attendance Allowance, does not include a payment for mobility needs.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free payment provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. It presently provides additional financial assistance to over 1.5 million people across the United Kingdom, including 136,250 in Scotland.
The benefit is intended to assist seniors of State Pension age with their daily living expenditures, while also allowing them to remain autonomous in their own homes for a longer period.
Older Individuals Requesting Attendance Allowance for Sight Loss Conditions
According to the most recent DWP numbers, in August 2023, 47,333 persons received either £68.10 or £101.75 per week for a 'Visual Disorder or Disease'.
This total amount includes claimants from:
- Scotland: 4,285.
- England: 39,997.
- Wales: 2,942.
- Abroad: 105.
- Total: 47,333.
Common Eye Diseases Affecting the Elderly
Adults around the country suffer from more than 45 eye disorders, including:
- Cataract Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Macular Degeneration: Wet and Dry (also known as age-related MD)
- Glaucoma
- Pigmented retinitis
- Retina and optic nerve
- Diabetic retinopathy (a disorder that can cause vision loss in patients with diabetes)
If you or someone you know is under the State Pension age and has a visual ailment, you should consider filing a fresh claim for PIP or ADP.
If you or someone you know is over the State Pension age and suffers from a vision disorder, including extremely high myopia (short-sightedness), you might consider applying for Attendance Allowance.
How Much may I collect in Attendance Allowance?
In the fiscal year 2024/25, you might receive either £72.65 for the lesser rate or £108.55 for the higher rate. Payments are typically made in four-week increments.
You can spend the money however you like, and it may allow you to remain autonomous in your own home for longer.
Who Can Submit a Claim?
If you have a disability or sickness and require support or supervision during the day or at night, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance, even if you do not presently receive it.
This may include, help with your personal care, such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, showering or bathing, and going to the bathroom.
You may also consider applying if you have difficulty with personal duties, such as those that take a long time, cause pain, or require physical assistance, such as a chair to lean on.
Attendance Allowance is not limited to persons with physical disabilities or illnesses.
You should also think about claiming if you require support or surveillance during the day or night and have:
- A mental health condition.
- Learning challenges
- A sensory condition — if you are blind or deaf.