An estimated two million people across Great Britain are living with eyesight issues or degenerative eye conditions. Over 60,300 working-age adults under 66 receive extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), while more than 51,000 people over State Pension age get regular payments through Attendance Allowance.
It is important for people of State Pension age living in Scotland to be aware they can no longer make a new claim for Attendance Allowance and must apply for a new devolved payment instead. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) provides the same financial support as Attendance Allowance but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland.
Three out of four people with a visual impairment are aged over 65, with around 8,000 working-age people registered blind or partially sighted.
For adults who lose their sight in later life, it can be very distressing as they feel unable to enjoy activities they love, such as driving, sports, reading, and cooking. Mobility can also be affected, but Attendance Allowance does not include a component for mobility needs.
Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that currently provides extra financial support to over 1.7 million people across England and Wales. Pension Age Disability Payment now supports over 175,000 older people in Scotland. Both benefits help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
Older People Claiming Attendance Allowance for Sight Loss
Latest DWP figures from August 2025 show 51,096 pensioners claiming Attendance Allowance. Following the annual uprating, payments are now worth either £76.70 per week (lower rate) or £114.60 per week (higher rate). Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment are the same but administered by Social Security Scotland.
Common Eye Conditions Affecting Older People
There are over 45 eye conditions affecting adults, including:
- Cataract
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Macular Degeneration (Wet and Dry)
- Glaucoma
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Retina and optic nerve diseases
- Diabetic Retinopathy
If you or someone you know under State Pension age has a sight condition, consider claiming PIP or ADP. If over State Pension age, consider claiming Attendance Allowance.
Other Sight Loss Conditions Supported
Common health issues affecting eyesight supported through disability benefits include diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids, and lacrimal apparatus, such as corneal ulceration, entropion, keratitis, keratoconus, uveitis, glaucoma, and vitreous diseases. Retinal and optic nerve conditions include diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, macular degeneration, optic atrophy, retinal detachment, and retinitis pigmentosa. Refractive errors include astigmatism, hypermetropia, myopia, and presbyopia. Disorders of eye movement include nystagmus and strabismus. Visual field defects include amblyopia, cortical blindness, diplopia, hemianopia, scotoma, and tunnel vision.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard to look after yourself. It does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you to claim.
Who Can Claim?
Consider applying if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at night, even if you do not currently get that help. This includes help with personal care (e.g., dressing, eating, bathing) or help to stay safe. Also consider if personal tasks take a long time, cause pain, or require physical help. Attendance Allowance is not just for physical disabilities; it also covers mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions like being deaf or blind.
How Much Could You Get?
You could get either £76.70 or £114.60 per week depending on care needs, paid every four weeks, totalling £306.80 or £458.40 respectively. The money can be spent as you like, helping with taxis, bills, or a cleaner or gardener.
Savings and Other Income
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so savings and other income do not affect eligibility. It is tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap.
Effect on State Pension and Other Benefits
It does not affect your State Pension, and you can claim even if working. Other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction may increase if you get Attendance Allowance.
How to Make a Claim
You need to complete a long claim form. Help is available from Citizens Advice. You can also follow the Citizens Advice guide online. Full details are on the GOV.UK website.
If You Are About to Reach State Pension Age
Consider claiming PIP instead of Attendance Allowance, as PIP may provide higher amounts depending on circumstances.
Who Cannot Claim?
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode; you must claim PADP from Social Security Scotland. You cannot claim if you already get PIP or DLA for care. If your PIP or DLA ends, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
