People who suffer from certain eye conditions could be entitled to financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
As a result of the DWP recently expanding its support for people suffering from specific eye-related issues, eligible people could now receive up to £5,644.60 a year.
The policy will particularly benefit those who suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that usually affects people over the age of 50.
Those who have been diagnosed with AMD can now apply for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which will help cover the costs of living with the condition and expenditure on any support they require.
Under the new system, people will receive between £72.65 and £108.55 a week to help support them – totalling thousands of pounds each year.
So how does the new policy work? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
According to the National Eye Institute, AMD is a condition that blurs your vision and is caused as you age.
Although it doesn’t lead to blindness, it can seriously impair a person’s ability to see and can negatively impact tasks like driving, cooking and reading. It also gives you low vision, meaning glasses or contact lenses won’t help as much and it can be pretty debilitating.
It’s a progressive illness, meaning it can worsen over time and may require a person to have extra assistance with their daily tasks.
Symptoms include mild blurry view, straight lines looking distorted or colours looking duller.
A very quick test by your doctor will determine whether a person is suffering from some variation of AMD, where they’ll conduct a painless dilated eye exam.
AMD can affect anyone who is older, including Dame Judi Dench, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2012.
Speaking about the challenges she faces, Dench said: “I can’t see on a film set any more.
"It’s difficult for me if I have any length of a part. I haven’t yet found a way because I have so many friends who will teach me the script. But I have a photographic memory."
How to claim benefits for AMD
As AMD is now classified as a condition for which people can receive PIP, you’ll need to contact the DWP to apply for this.
Complete a PIP1 form, as well as a How your disability affects you document and receive a medical assessment. Staff at the DWP can help you complete the forms if your condition makes this hard.
You can call the PIP claim line on these two numbers – telephone: 0800 917 2222 and textphone: 0800 917 7777. Alternatively, you can contact them by post but it may take a little longer to process.
According to Citizens’ Advice, it can take up to six months for the DWP to make a decision and send you your first payment.
Once you’ve reached retirement age, PIP turns into Attendance Allowance (and you can only be eligible for one at a time). For this, you can apply online.
