As well as grants from RNIB, there are a number of different charities and organisations around the UK that may be able to provide you with financial assistance if you are blind or partially sighted and on a low income.
Your local authority
We recommend that you always try your local Social Services department first. Whether you are registered with them or not, they may be able to give you help with:
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fees for residential and nursing homes
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telephone installation and rental
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equipment to help you in your daily life
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adaptations to the home
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holidays.
Your local Education Authority can also give help with equipment and transport for educational needs.
The Social Fund
If you receive Income Support, Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and do not have too much capital, you may be able to apply for a Community Care Grant.
The sort of items you could get a grant for include furniture, washing machine, cooker, bedding, minor structural repairs, carpets and clothing - perhaps even a holiday.
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for an application form or download a Community Care Grant application form from the Directgov website.
Charities
If you apply to a charity, sometimes they will only accept application forms signed by or sent by a social worker or other professional. Each charity's rules are different, so always contact them first to find out more.
Local societies for people with sight loss
There are many local voluntary societies for blind and partially sighted people around the UK. These local societies can be a great source of information and support, and may also be able to give you small grants for equipment. Search our Orgfinder database of useful organisations for blind and partially sighted people to find out contact details of your local society and what help they can give you. You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 for more information.
Other local charities
You may also wish to try your local branch of the Rotary Club (01789 765 411), Round Table (0121 456 4402) or Lions Clubs (0845 833 9502).
National charities for people in need
There are a range of charities in the UK that give grants to blind and partially sighted people. Some only give grants for specific types of items (such as computer equipment), some give grants to certain sorts of people (such as ex-service personnel) and some, such as the Royal Blind Society, are specifically for people with sight loss.
We have produced a factsheet that gives details of other charities that may be able to give you funding:
You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 for help with finding other charities that may be able to help you.
If you are a professional helping someone with a sight problem, you may find the reference book "Guide to Grants for Individuals in Need" (from the Directory of Social Change) or the Turn2Us website useful.
Further information
If you would like more advice about sources of help for you, and benefits and concessions you may be entitled to, call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.