Because of the DWP not too long ago increasing its help for folks affected by particular eye-related points, eligible folks might now obtain as much as £5,644.60 a yr.
The coverage will notably profit those that undergo from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a situation that normally impacts folks over the age of fifty.
Those that have been identified with AMD can now apply for a Private Independence Cost (PIP), which is able to assist cowl the prices of dwelling with the situation and expenditure on any help they require.
Underneath the brand new system, folks will obtain between £72.65 and £108.55 per week to assist help them – totalling hundreds of kilos annually.
So how does the brand new coverage work? Right here’s every part you should know.
What’s age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
In line with the Nationwide Eye Institute, AMD is a situation that blurs your imaginative and prescient and is brought about as you age.
Though it doesn’t result in blindness, it may significantly impair an individual’s capacity to see and might negatively impression duties like driving, cooking and studying. It additionally provides you low imaginative and prescient, which means glasses or contact lenses gained’t assist as a lot and it may be fairly debilitating.
It’s a progressive sickness, which means it may worsen over time and will require an individual to have additional help with their each day duties.
Signs embody gentle blurry view, straight strains trying distorted or colors trying duller.
A really fast take a look at by your physician will decide whether or not an individual is affected by some variation of AMD, the place they’ll conduct a painless dilated eye examination.
AMD can have an effect on anybody who’s older, together with Dame Judi Dench, who was identified with the situation in 2012.
“It’s tough for me if I’ve any size of an element. I haven’t but discovered a means as a result of I’ve so many buddies who will train me the script. However I’ve a photographic reminiscence.”
Yui Mok / PA
Methods to declare advantages for AMD
As AMD is now categorized as a situation for which individuals can obtain PIP, you’ll must contact the DWP to use for this.
Full a PIP1 type, in addition to a How your incapacity impacts you doc and obtain a medical evaluation. Employees on the DWP may help you full the varieties in case your situation makes this tough.
You’ll be able to name the PIP declare line on these two numbers – phone: 0800 917 2222 and textphone: 0800 917 7777. Alternatively, you may contact them by submit however it could take a bit longer to course of.
In line with Residents’ Recommendation, it may take as much as six months for the DWP to decide and ship you your first cost.
When you’ve reached retirement age, PIP turns into Attendance Allowance (and you may solely be eligible for one after the other). For this, you may apply on-line.
