The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the full list of 59 eye and ear conditions that qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which can be worth up to £748 per month.
PIP is not a single flat rate. It is split into two components: daily living and mobility. Each component has a standard and an enhanced rate.
How much can you get?
The daily living component covers the extra costs of managing everyday tasks. The standard rate is £76.55 per week, while the enhanced rate is £114.80.
The mobility component addresses the challenges of getting around. The standard rate is £30.20 per week, with an enhanced rate of £80.10.
By qualifying for the enhanced daily living rate plus part of the mobility support, claimants can reach a weekly total of £187 – equivalent to £748 a month. Benefit rates rose by 3.8% in April.
Which conditions are included?
The DWP list includes conditions such as congenital deafness, retinitis pigmentosa, cortical blindness, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and Meniere's disease. The full list covers 59 eye and ear conditions, but officials stress it is not exhaustive.
Instead of relying solely on a specific diagnosis, the department looks at how the vision or hearing impairment affects a claimant's quality of life and ability to carry out daily routines.
What if your condition is not on the list?
Welfare experts suggest that anyone finding daily tasks difficult due to their eyesight or hearing should consider filing a claim, even if their condition is not officially named in DWP guidance.
Latest data shows that more than 103,000 people with eye and ear-related conditions are already receiving support through the DWP.
