Changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) rules from 11 April 2011 mean that some blind people are entitled to claim the higher rate mobility component.
Can I claim the higher rate mobility component?
To be considered for the higher rate, you must be:
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under 65
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and registered or certified as severely sight impaired (blind)
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and match the requirements for visual acuity and visual field (more on this below).
I'm over 65, why can't I claim the higher rate?
You must be under 65 when you first apply for DLA (Disability Living Allowance). The higher rate of mobility component only became available to people with the most severe sight loss from 11 April 2011. No one who was 65 or over on that date could be awarded higher rate mobility component on the basis of their sight loss, even if they were currently receiving the lower rate and have a "severe visual impairment".
RNIB and the other organisations involved in this campaign did challenge this and even sought legal advice. However the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) was not able to change this rule, as it was the same for all disabled people and is integral to the structure of the benefit. This rule was also applied in 1992 when DLA was introduced. To change the rules would have set a precedent impacting on the treatment of other people aged over 65 in the disability benefits system. The DWP could have expected calls to similarly extend entitlement to others over the age of 65 in receipt of DLA who develop mobility difficulties.
The requirements for visual acuity and visual field
Visual acuity is the measurement of your central vision and how well you can see detail. It is assessed using an eye test chart called the Snellen scale. Your visual field is what you can see around you; this is also called your peripheral vision.
If your visual acuity is:
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less than 3/60, meaning you only can read the top line of an eye test chart from 3 metres away, you will qualify for the higher rate
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more than 3/60 but less than 6/60, meaning you can only read the top line of the eye test chart from 6 metres away, your visual field will need to be considered as well.
If your visual acuity falls into the second category, then you will only qualify if you also have both:
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a complete loss of your peripheral vision
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and severely restricted central vision ("tunnel vision"), meaning no more than 10 degrees in diameter.
If your visual acuity is better than 6/60 you will not qualify, for example if your acuity is 6/36 or 6/18.
What if my sight cannot be measured?
If your sight is too poor to be measured in this way, for example if you can only count fingers or you only have light and dark perception, you will qualify.
What do I need to do to claim?
The Pensions, Disability and Carers Service (PDCS) has now completed the exercise to contact people who received the lower rate of mobility component on the basis of sight loss to establish whether they may qualify under the new criteria for the higher rate. The dedicated phone line that was set up to check your eligibility is now closed.
If you receive the lower rate mobility component and think that you might qualify under the new criteria, call the DWP's Disability Benefits Helpline on 08457 123 456 or our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 and one of our advisors will help you.
Further information
More details about DLA are availlable in our factsheet:
If you need advice about claiming DLA or would like to know what other benefits you may be entitled to, our advisers can help. Call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
Please note that we can only give advice about benefits for people with sight loss and their carers or dependants.
This information gives general guidance only and is not an authoritative statement of the law.