Benefits and grants

Benefit rates 2011 to 2012

Most social security benefits go up in April every year. Below you can download the rates of the most common benefits that you can claim if you have sight loss.

New medical test for ESA from 28 March 2011

The Work Capability assessment, which is the medical test for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), is changing from 28 March 2011. It is possible that many blind and partially sighted people may no longer qualify for ESA once this new test is applied to them. RNIB believes the new test is unfair and counter productive, and is calling on the Government to rethink their plans.

For more information on the new test and what you can do to make your views about it known, see our page on Employment Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit changes.

For older people

Many blind and partially sighted pensioners are not getting money they could be claiming. Could you or a family member or friend be missing out? Attendance Allowance is worth at least £49.30 a week tax-free but many people don't realise they are entitled to it. It isn't means-tested, so it doesn't matter how much your income is or whether you have any savings or other capital.

  • Money for pensioners with sight problems gives an overview of the benefits and concessions available for people of pensionable age.
  • Attendance Allowance is for people of pensionable age who need help to remain independent.
  • Pension Credit is an income-based benefit for older people on a low income or with modest retirement income and savings.

For people of working age

For families and carers

  • Tax Credits is about payments from the Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for people who work or have children.
  • Benefits for carers is for the carer of a person with a disability who is receiving a disability benefit.
  • Benefits for children is for children with sight problems and additional disabilities.

For health and housing

Managing your money

If you or someone you know has sight problems and money worries, you can contact RNIB's debt advice service.

Welfare Rights advice from RNIB

Or if you, or someone you know, has a serious sight problem, our Helpline can advise about entitlements to benefits and concessions. For example:

  • we give information and advice to blind and partially sighted people, relatives, carers and representatives about all the main welfare benefits and concessions available
  • we provide information factsheets about welfare benefits.

We provide advocacy and representation in a limited number of cases, or can tell you about local advice services. The following may be of use if you disagree with the amount of benefit you receive:

If you have any welfare rights enquiries, or would like to request any of the factsheets in large print or alternative formats, please call RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.

Welfare Rights campaigns

We also campaign to improve social security provision for people with a serious sight problem, for instance in collaboration with other organisations as part of the Disability Benefits Consortium.

Find out about our campaign to tackle the unjust exclusion of blind people from the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, Taken for a ride.

Other help from RNIB

Our team of specialist advice workers can provide you with advice about:

Call RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 to find out more.

Last updated: 30 January 2012

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.

Welfare reform 2011

Welfare reform bill

The Welfare Reform Bill, introduced into Parliament in February 2011, heralds a number of changes to out of work and disability benefits. We have many concerns over the bill and need to take action now to stop the threat to independence and support.