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Benefits for Deafblind/Visually Impaired People

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Under state pension age:

  • Adult Disability Payment – 2 parts daily living & mobility (not means tested)

  • Universal Credit – means tested. Helps with housing costs. Additional disability premiums if unable to work

  • Employment & Support Allowance - if unable to work

  • Access to Work – additional support to help you stay in work

  • Blind Persons Tax Allowance – if you are a tax payer & registered for sight loss

  • Blue Badge – if you are registered severely sight impaired or have mobility issues

 

Over state pension age:

  • Attendance Allowance – if you are struggling with daily living and/or have night time needs. Not means tested

  • Pension Credit – means tested. Tops up basic state pension giving you extra money to live on. You may get this even if you have some savings

  • Housing benefit – means tested. If you rent your house & have a low income

  • Council Tax Reduction – means tested. If you have a low income or receive Pension Credit

  • TV Licence – free if on Pension Credit. Half price if registered severely sight impaired

  • Blind Persons Tax Allowance – if you are a tax payer & registered for sight loss

  • Blue Badge – if you are registered severely sight impaired or have mobility issues

 

If you have a Carer who cares for you for at least 35 hours per week they can apply for Carers Allowance as long as they do not earn over £151 per week, however this can affect your benefits

 

Travel concessions

 

You are entitled to a travel card regardless of your age if you:

  • Receive middle or high rate care DLA

  • Receive high rate mobility DLA

  • Receive daily living part of PIP or ADP

  • Receive Attendance Allowance

  • Are a blue badge holder

  • Registered for sight loss

  • Have a mental health condition

  • Are profoundly deaf

  • Are told not to drive because of a medical condition

 

You are entitled to a companion if you:

  • Receive middle or high rate care DLA

  • Receive PIP or ADP

  • Receive Attendance Allowance

  • Are registered blind

 

If you are registered for sight loss you can have an eye symbol added to your travel card which gives you free travel on bus, train, Edinburgh tram and concessions on ferries.

 

Road Tax

You may be exempt from road tax if you receive enhanced mobility of PIP or ADP or high rate mobility DLA. 50% discount if you receive standard mobility. You still need to apply using a V10 form.

 

VAT relief

You can claim VAT relief on products adapted for your disability, repairs & maintenance on your home etc.

 

Articles for the blind postage

Allows you to send certain items of post free of charge

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Blue Badge Scheme

If you have problems with mobility, you may be able to get a blue badge to enable you to park your car near shops, at hospitals or other places you wish to visit.  To automatically qualify for a blue badge, you must meet one of the following criteria:

 

  • you are registered Blind/Severely Sight Impaired

  • you receive higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance.

  • you have been awarded 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ activity or 12 points in the ‘planning and following journeys activity of PIP or ADP

 

You may also qualify if you meet one of the following criteria:

 

  • you have a permanent/substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.

  • you are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk because of a temporary but substantial disability which is likely to last for at least 12 months but less than 3 years.

 

A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland and is valid for 3 years. You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires.

You must be in the car when the blue badge is used.

 

Apply or renew online

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You will need:

  • proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate or passport )

  • proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)

  • proof of benefits (if you get any)

  • your National Insurance number

  • the details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying)

  • List of medication (if not Severely Sight Impaired)

 

You can apply online at: www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

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Where can you park, displaying your blue badge:

 

  • Disabled parking bays

  • Parking meters

  • Pay & display bays

  • Single or double yellow lines if safe to do so & no loading restrictions

 

You cannot usually use your blue badge in multi storey or private car parks. Always check the notices first.

Blue badges can also be used in England & Wales as long as you use the parking clock alongside it.

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