Steve Winyard, Head of Policy and Campaigns at RNIB, said:
"We welcome today's report on Universal Credit (UC) from the Work and Pensions Select Committee; however key issues affecting disabled claimants, including the abolition of the severe disability premium (SDP), remain a cause of great concern.
"RNIB is concerned that by getting rid of the SDP and not replacing it, UC does not recognise the extra financial support some blind and partially sighted people need to independently take care of themselves.
"The Government's proposal to get rid of SDP will mean a blind or partially sighted person on middle to higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), who lives alone, will be at least £58 per week worse off. This will affect some people who lose their sight and make a new claim but abolishing SDP will also create hardship for existing claimants. The Government's promise that it will protect incomes will increasingly ring hollow as the rate of inflation increases and benefits stay the same.
"We call on Ministers to retain the SDP in full. The regulations on UC are being finalised but we fear too few people truly understand the consequences of removing the SDP ahead of the vital Parliamentary vote on the Government's plans in the next few weeks".
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Notes to Editors:
For more information contact Emma Mercer, Senior PR Officer at RNIB, on 020 7391 2085 or emma.mercer@rnib.org.uk
About SDP
Severely disabled adults who either live on their own, with another disabled adult or only with dependent children may be eligible to receive the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) which is worth £58 a week. The SDP is only payable to those on the lowest incomes as it is an addition which increases the level of means tested benefits for 'severely disabled' people in and out of work. It is not paid to anyone who has someone paid Carers Allowance to assist them.
About RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around 2 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk