The aim of RNIB Cymru's welfare rights service is to tackle the financial disadvantages faced by many people with sight problems. Many people with sight problems are not receiving the benefits they are entitled to such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Working Tax Credits.
We have developed partnerships with local authorities and local societies for the blind to deliver this service to people in their own homes.
Where is the service available?
We have five officers, covering just over a third of Wales. They work in:
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Caerphilly
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Ceredigion
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Conwy
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Newport
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Ynys Mon
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Cardiff and the Vale
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Blaenau Gwent (from 1 November)
We are working hard to expand it to cover the whole of the country.
Services
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assessment of entitlement to benefit
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completing forms
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challenging benefit award or non awards
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representation at first tier tribunals
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representation to the Upper Tribunal of Welfare Benefits
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identifying and providing support in applying for other grants such as the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
Results
Since starting in 2000 the service has assisted in over £7.7 million being awarded in benefits and grants in Wales, with over 5,200 cases undertaken in this time. 70 per cent of the people we have supported have seen increases in their benefits by on average over £45 each week. This can make a huge difference to a person's quality of life, in many cases this means that people can go out independently through using taxis.
Referrals
We accept referrals from any source and will support anyone with a sight problem regardless of whether they are registered blind or partially sighted.
Further information
For further information please telephone the RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999
or email: RNIBCymruWRT@rnib.org.uk