Around two million people across Great Britain are battling with vision problems or progressive eye diseases. Nearly 59,000 adults under the age of 65, who are still of working age, are receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Meanwhile, over 50,000 individuals above the State Pension age are regularly receiving payments via Attendance Allowance. The majority, three out of four people suffering from visual impairment, are aged over 65, and approximately 8,000 working-age individuals are registered as blind or partially sighted.

For those who lose their sight in adulthood, the experience can be deeply distressing, as they may no longer be able to engage in activities such as driving, participating in sports, reading, and cooking. Mobility can also be impacted, potentially leading to issues with independence and travel.

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However, Attendance Allowance, the dedicated disability benefit for those over the State Pension age, does not cover mobility needs. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit currently providing extra financial support to over 1.6 million people across Great Britain.

The benefit aims to assist State Pension age individuals with daily living expenses. That could potentially enable them to maintain independence in their own homes for a longer period, reports the

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that as of February 2024, 49,677 individuals were pocketing either £68.10 or £101.75 each week due to a 'Visual Disorder or Disease'. This figure includes those battling common eye conditions that typically affect older people.

There are over 45 such conditions plaguing adults across the country, including:

Likewise, if you're over State Pension age and living with a sight condition, even severe myopia, it could be beneficial to make a claim for Attendance Allowance. Sight loss conditions include common health issues affecting eyesight that are supported through disability benefits.

However, if your condition is not listed, this does not mean it isn't supported. Conditions include diseases of the conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus, uveitis, glaucoma, visual injuries to the eye, vitreous disease, diseases of the retina and optic nerve, cataract, refractive errors, disorders of eye movement, and visual field defects.

If you're living with a disability or illness that requires daily or nightly assistance, even if you're not currently receiving such help, you might be eligible for Attendance Allowance. This could include needing support with personal care tasks like dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed, bathing, using the toilet, or ensuring your safety.

You may also qualify if you struggle with personal tasks because they take too long, cause discomfort, or require physical support like leaning on a chair. The Attendance Allowance isn't just for those with a physical disability or illness.

If you need help or supervision throughout the day or night due to a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition (such as deafness or blindness), you should also consider applying.

You could potentially receive either £72.65 at the lower rate or £108.55 at the higher rate. Payments are typically made every four weeks, in arrears.

The money can be used however you wish and could help maintain your independence at home for longer. This could involve covering taxi fares or contributing towards bills.

Full details about how to claim Attendance Allowance can be found on the To apply for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to fill out a comprehensive claim form.

While it may seem intimidating initially, assistance is readily 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.

Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the