BENEFITS

These are the benefits and concessions you may be entitled to if you have been registered as blind or partially sighted.

The 'B' and 'PS' indicate who may be entitled to each concession.

B = Registered Blind
PS = Registered Partially Sighted

Disability Discrimination Act ( B and PS )

Gives visually impaired people the right to services, and information on equal terms with fully sighted people

Additional Personal Income Tax Allowance ( B )

Approach your Tax Office. May be transferred to your partner on request

Disability Living Allowance ( B and PS )

For people under the age of 65, including children aged 3 or over

Attendance Allowance ( B and PS )

Is available for people aged over 65 years,

Additional Income Support Premiums, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit ( B and PS )

Ring your local Welfare Rights department to ask whether you would be entitled to any additional benefit

Incapacity Benefit ( B and PS )

For people of working age, as a possible alternative to Job Seekers Allowance. Contact your local Welfare Rights Department

Residential or Nursing Care ( B and PS )

For help towards these costs, contact your Social Worker

Support from Social Services ( B and PS )

You are entitled to a full assessment of your need for services such as rehabilitation or mobility training, home help or adaptations to your home. Contact your Social Worker about this.

Free NHS Eye Test ( B and PS )

Tell the optician about your registration before the sight test (includes under 60's)

Free NHS Prescriptions ( B and PS )

Depends on age and income. Particularly for those who are unable to go out without help. Ask your GP.

Low vision aids ( B and PS )

Contact the Derbyshire Association for the Blind to ask which optician(s) are available to offer you this service.

Reduction in Television License Fee ( B )

50% reduction, provided license is in name of person registered blind.

Disabled Person's Parking Badge ( B and PS )

Can be used in any car you travel in. Partially Sighted people must demonstrate that they also have difficulty walking. Contact your Social Worker.

Disabled Person's Tax Credit ( B and PS )

For people who work at least 16 hours a week. Ring the Tax Credit helpline: Tel: 08456 055 858

Disability Employment Adviser ( B and PS )

You may be entitled to special equipment, assistance at work and help with travel costs, to enable you to continue working. Contact Sightline 01332 297 976 or 07071 881 399 for the name of your nearest adviser.

Railcard and other Rail Travel Concessions ( B and PS )

Contact your local railway station.

Wireless for the Blind ( B and PS )

If you do not have a suitable Radio or Cassette Player, ask your social worker about this.

Help with Telephone Costs ( B )

Contact your social worker.

Exemption from BT Directory Enquiry Charges ( B )

Ring 195 and explain that you wish to register for this service.