The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering financial assistance of up to £749 per month for people with significant sight loss. This payment, made through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), is available to individuals living in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For those in Scotland, the Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP.
PIP is designed to assist with the extra costs that come with living with a disability, including visual impairments.
This benefit is not means-tested, meaning eligibility is not based on income, and it can be claimed regardless of financial status. It is available to people between the ages of 16 and state pension age who have limited ability to carry out daily living activities or get around due to their condition.
How the PIP Payment System Works
PIP is made up of two components: daily living and mobility. Both components are available at standard or enhanced rates, depending on the severity of the individual’s condition.
According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), people with conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy are likely to qualify for support. High myopia, or extreme short-sightedness, is also covered under the scheme.
The daily living component covers activities such as preparing food, managing personal hygiene, and reading and understanding written information. The mobility component focuses on the ability to move around and access transport. People may qualify for one or both components, with the enhanced rate available to those with more severe impairments.
To determine eligibility, claimants must undergo a consultation to assess their individual circumstances across 12 activities.
Each activity has a set of descriptors to measure the ability to complete it reliably and safely. The consultation can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through a video call. Points are awarded based on how the claimant’s condition affects their ability to complete these tasks.
A Lifeline for People with Sight Loss
The introduction of PIP has been widely praised as a critical form of financial support for individuals who experience extra costs due to their disabilities. People with sight loss, in particular, face substantial challenges in carrying out everyday activities, and this benefit provides a financial cushion to help with those challenges.
RNIB emphasises that the additional cost of living with sight loss can be significant. From using specialist technology to getting around in unfamiliar environments, people with visual impairments often have to rely on additional tools and services. By offering financial support, the DWP seeks to alleviate some of these pressures and help individuals lead more independent lives.
