Blind person allowance

[november90]

Hi there!
So just wondered if anyone had any advice. Since birth I have had monocular vision. The sight in my left eye is fine but the sight in my right never developed - completely blind with no vision. I have quite a lot of issues with this eye, despite not being able to see out of it!
A few people have mentioned to be about blind person allowance and I wasn't sure if this was something I am entitled to and I'm not sure how I find out? I do work but have a top up of UC 🤷🏼‍♀️

www.gov.uk/blind-persons-allowance

Blind person's allowance is an additional tax allowance for people who a registerested as Severely Sight Impaired (Blind). It's not money you receive, it just means you can earn slightly extra a year before you start paying income tax. You have to be registered as Severely Sight Impaired (Blind) by a medical professional. If your sight is normal in one eye you certainly wouldn't qualify as even with monocular vision most people can still drive, do most types of work, etc.

Thanks for the replies both!
You're right, having read more online it doesn't seem appropriate for me at all at this point of my life and I wouldn't want to take money for something I don't need either! I just wasn't sure what it was about. I've had extra support in school exams etc and my driving test for my vision but fortunately I am ok right now :)

Hi @november90, do you claim PIP? You might be entitled to something and I'm pretty sure it doesn't affect your UC claim. Could be worth investigating? The RNIB phone line are helpful if you want to talk things through with someone 💐

Oh thank you for the info, I have never heard of PIP before? So I will have a google!

You may be entitled to DLA.

I would recommend contacting a visually impaired charity such as the RNIB they can offer advice, have you ever recieved a certificate of visual impairment?

DLA doesn’t exist for adults it’s now PIP but to be honest if you work and drive without much problems it’s unlikely you will get.

Care element you qualify if can’t get out bed washed dressed or prepare food, help with toilet issue or need supervision through the day or with medication. You may need assist with bad eye for drops but that’s going be minutes rather than hours a day.

Mobility element can’t move around without great difficulty or can’t plan a journey or need someone with you for support. If you can drive right now seems like are managing.

You don’t get it for the condition you get for how affects day to day living and how much you are restricted in ways other adults take for granted. Not to say you can’t apply but quite intrusive and distressing process not for faint heartened.

This is quick pip check list on the points you need you to qualify each part of that helps.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip-test

As a shortcut because it's pretty complicated, you only will qualify for benefits if your eyesight is reduced meaning you cannot do some everyday tasks, need specialist equipment and/or costs you additional money.

My friend gets the blind person's allowance and a bus pass because she cannot drive and uses a specialist lens for reading (like a mini telescope!) her glasses cost £600 a pair too. If it's only one eye and you are driving I doubt you will qualify, pip is all about the extra help you need for everyday life