There is clear evidence that living with a sight problem brings a range of additional costs. These can include adaptations to the home and domestic appliances, additional costs for food and heat, costs of support for cleaning and gardening, and the high cost of access technology and training for using CCTVs, computers or mobile phones.
We are campaigning for financial independence for blind and partially sighted people and a fairer benefits system to cover these additional costs.
Campaign success
On 17 March 2009 the Government accepted our amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill, entitling those with severe visual impairment on Disability Living Allowance to the higher rate of the mobility component from April 2011. Its estimated 26,000 people will gain an extra £29 per week. Go to the DLA campaign page to find out more.
Read our Campaign Briefing - Autumn 09 and find out what RNIB has been campaigning for.