RNIB and Action for Blind People have a range of advice, information and direct support available for people seeking work.
Benefits and financial help
As you move through your journey from school and beyond you'll be entitled to different benefits and financial assistance because of your sight condition.
The financial help you'll be able to get will depend on what you are doing and your circumstances at the time: for example, at university you'll have access to the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and at work you'll be entitled to funding through the Access to Work Scheme.
You may also be entitled to benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA).
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
The Government is replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged between 16 and 64 with a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You can find out more about the introduction of PIP and how this is likely to affect you if you are blind or partially sighted at www.rnib.org.uk/managingyourmoney. If you are under 16, there are currently no plans to replace DLA for you.
Universal Credit
From October 2013 there will be a new benefit for people on low incomes called Universal Credit. It will gradually replace many other welfare benefits - including housing benefit, income support and jobseeker's allowance.
To find out about the benefits and financial help you may be entitled to, visit our Benefits for people of working age pages or contact RNIB's Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk and our Welfare Rights Advisors can help to resolve any problems you have in getting the right support.
Employment and Careers advice
For more online information about careers, seeking work, writing a CV or application form, interviews, job-seeking resources, or the Access to Work scheme visit our main Employment section.
RNIB supports blind and partially sighted people in finding work across the UK. Our specialist advisers offer advice and guidance on all aspects of employment including skills training, assessments and information on the latest assistive technology to support you at work.
Get in touch with your Careers Adviser by visiting our 'Finding a Careers Adviser' pages.