Attendance Allowance could help people who are severely short-sighted or have blurry vision. An estimated two million people across Great Britain are living with eyesight issues or a degenerative eye condition. More than 59,000 working age adults under 65 are receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while nearly 50,000 people over State Pension age are getting regular payments through Attendance Allowance.
Three out of four people with a visual impairment are aged over 65 with around 8,000 people of working age registered blind or partially sighted. For adults that lose their sight in later life, it can be very distressing as they feel they are no longer able to enjoy some of the activities they love to do, such as driving, taking part in sports, reading and cooking. Mobility can also be affected and with that may come independence and travel issues, although it’s important to be aware that the dedicated disability benefit for people over State Pension age - Attendance Allowance - does not include a component for mobility needs.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It currently provides extra financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain, including 143,724 living in Scotland.
The benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. The latest DWP figures show that in February 2024 there were 49,677 people receiving either £68.10 or £101.
75 each week for a ‘Visual Disorder or Disease’. This overall figure includes claimants in: There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults across the country, these include: If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age has a sight condition, you should consider making a new claim for PIP or ADP - find out more here. If you, or someone you know, is over State Pension age and living with a sight condition, even really high myopia (short sightedness), you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance .
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. Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.
UK website here. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to claim .
You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help. This might include: Help 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 have difficulties 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 consider claiming if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind You could get either £72.65 for the lower rate or £108.55 for the higher rate.
Payments are usually made in arrears, every four weeks. You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include: paying for taxis helping towards bills paying for a cleaner or gardener Yes.
Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. It’s tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits. No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include: Extra Pension Credit Housing Benefit Reduction Council Tax Reduction You can check your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website here . You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance .
It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice , so don't let the form put you off applying. If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here . Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the Gov.
uk website here . If you're thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP straight away. If you claim PIP and get it, the amount you get will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you.
Find out more about claiming PIP on the GOV.UK website here . Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group for money-saving tips, the latest benefits news, energy updates and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
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You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or DLA to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead. You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria.
If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead. Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here .
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