Changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) higher rate mobility component mean that some blind people will be entitled to an extra £30 per week from 11 April 2011.
To be considered for the higher rate, you must be under 65 and registered blind or certified as severely sight impaired (blind), although not everyone who is registered blind will qualify.
If you already receive the lower rate mobility component of DLA, you don't need to do anything now. The Pensions, Disability and Carers Service will be calling everyone who currently claims to find out if they are entitled to an increase. Calls will take place from late November 2010 until March 2011.
You can help speed up your claim by having your certificate of visual impairment (CVI or BD8, or BP1 in Scotland), or a consultant's report noting your visual acuity and visual field, ready in preparation for the call. Call RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 for advice.