The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published the complete list of eye and ear conditions that entitle claimants to financial assistance of up to £748 monthly. Those experiencing substantial vision and hearing impairment may be entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which could result in weekly payments of up to £187 being deposited into their account.
More than 10,000 claimants receiving support
Following April's annual benefit increase of 3.8%, the latest figures show more than 10,000 individuals with eye and ear-related conditions are currently receiving assistance from the welfare department. PIP operates as a two-tier system rather than a uniform payment, with amounts determined by how a person's condition impacts their ability to live independently.
How PIP is structured
The daily living element helps cover additional expenses associated with routine activities. This pays £76.55 weekly at the standard rate, rising to £114.80 for the enhanced rate. The mobility element supports those who face difficulties moving around. This component starts at £30.20 for the lower tier, increasing to £80.10 for the higher level.
Claimants who receive the enhanced daily living rate alongside mobility support could receive the full £187 weekly amount - equivalent to £748 each month.
Full list of qualifying conditions
The DWP has outlined 59 distinct eye and ear conditions that meet the eligibility requirements, although officials note this list isn't comprehensive. Rather than focusing on a specific diagnosis, the department examines how vision or hearing impairment affects the claimant's quality of life and their ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Eye conditions
- Conjunctiva cornea eyelids and lacrimal apparatus - 1,298
- Corneal ulceration - 95
- Entropion - 7
- Herpes zoster - ophthalmic - 19
- Keratitis - 110
- Keratoconus - 1,363
- Orbital cellulitis - 9
- Ptosis - 35
- Scleritis - 37
- Anterior Uveitis (iritis) - 242
- Chorioretinal disorders - Other / type not known - 392
- Posterior (choroiditis) - 62
- Glaucoma - 4,094
- Eyes - Injuries to - 592
- Posterior vitreous detachment - 38
- Vitreous disease - Other / type not known - 119
- Vitreous haemorrhage - 115
- Diabetic retinopathy - 1,996
- Hypertensive retinopathy - 53
- Macular degeneration - 3,282
- Optic atrophy - 1,434
- Optic neuritis - 324
- Retina and optic nerve - Other diseases of / type not known - 4,078
- Retinal artery occlusion - 103
- Retinal detachment - 1,098
- Retinal vein occlusion - 137
- Retinitis Pigmentosa - 5,066
- Retinopathy - Other / type not known - 1,029
- Cataract - 1,825
- Astigmatism - 127
- Hypermetropia (long-sighted) - 66
- Myopia (short-sighted) - 485
- Presbyopia - 0
- Refractive errors - Other / type not known - 132
- Eye movement - Other disorders of / type not known - 447
- Nystagmus - 2,075
- Strabismus (Squint) - 60
- Amblyopia - 170
- Cortical blindness - 9,322
- Diplopia (double vision) - 395
- Hemianopia - 247
- Quadrantanopia - 17
- Scotoma - 15
- Tunnel vision - 561
- Visual field defects - Other / type not known - 4,643
- Vision - Other diseases affecting / type not known - 13,255
Ear conditions
- Chronic secretory otitis media - 31
- Chronic suppurative otitis media - 29
- Conductive hearing loss - Other causes of / type not known - 2,292
- Conductive hearing loss due to Trauma - 86
- Mastoiditis - 81
- Otitis externa - chronic - 33
- Otosclerosis - 170
- Deafness - congenital - 15,854
- Labyrinthitis - 173
- Menieres disease - 2,285
- Presbyacusis - 6
- Sensorineural hearing loss - Other causes of / type not known - 7,534
- Sensorineural hearing loss due to Trauma - 187
- Hearing loss - mixed - 6,854
- Disease affecting hearing & balance - Other/ type not known - 6,490
Total - 103,167
Welfare experts advise anyone struggling with daily activities due to their eyesight or hearing should consider making a claim, even if their particular condition isn't explicitly listed in DWP guidance. For further information, visit the gov.uk website.
