State pension recipients may be able to claim extra £407 a month

Elderly man looking a phone with a woman

Retirees across Britain could claim an extra £407 every month with a huge state pension boost for Britons with poor eye sight

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Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 21/07/2023

- 09:42

Updated: 14/11/2023

- 16:01

Pensioners can apply to receive a payment boost

Retirees across the UK could claim an extra £407 every month with a huge state pension boost for Britons with poor eye sight.

Pensioners with cataract, glaucoma or macular degeneration could get weekly help through Attendance Allowance.


Across the UK, there are around two million people living with a sight loss condition or degenerative eye conditions.

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit supporting more than 1.4 million people across the country.

Car dashboard with a pair of glasses

Across the UK, there are around two million people living with a sight loss condition or degenerative eye conditions

PA

Those of state pension age with daily living expenses can claim the extra finds to help them stay independent in their own home for longer.

The latest Department for Work and Pensions figures show that at the end of November 2022 there were 45,138 people receiving either £68.10 or £101.75 each week for a hearing condition.

Common health issues affecting eyesight which are supported through disability benefits include diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus.

Other conditions include uveitis, glaucoma, diseases of the retina and optic nerve, cataract, disorders of eye movement and visual field defects.

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Attendance Allowance helps support Britons with a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes everyday life difficult but does not cover mobility needs.

Those making a claim can receive funds to help with personal care including getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet as well as staying safe.

Claimants could get either £68.10 or £101.75 a week depending on the level of care needed, which is paid every four weeks and totals £272.40 and £407.00 respectively.

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, therefore savings and income is not considered as part of the application.

An elderly woman holds a pen

Attendance Allowance helps support Britons with a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes everyday life difficult but does not cover mobility needs

Joe Giddens

Retirees claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) cannot also receive Attendance Allowance.

However, those who apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, will have their DLA award reassessed.

Claims can be submitted via the government website where a form for Attendance Allowance can be found.

Help with applications is available from the nearest Citizens Advice.

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