Accessing Benefits: Support for People Who Are Blind or Vision Impaired
If you are registered as blind or partially sighted, you may be entitled to financial support and other assistance to help with challenges related to your vision impairment.
Some benefits are means-tested, which take into account your income and savings, while others are non-means-tested and are based on an assessment of your needs.
Registering as Vision Impaired
If you or a family member are living with sight loss, registering as vision impaired could help you access a range of benefits, including Disability Living Allowance and a reduction in the TV licence fee. Registration isn’t compulsory, but it can open the door to vital support.
Living with sight loss can be costly – for instance, you might rely on trains and taxis to get around – so it’s really important to claim the benefits you need.
Disability Benefits
There are several benefits and discounts available to people with a vision impairment, including:
- TV Licence concession
- Blind Person’s Tax Allowance
- Disabled Person’s Railcard
- Parking concessions and Blue Badge Scheme (as a passenger)
- Free NHS sight tests
- Grants from the RNIB (Royal National Institute of the Blind)
Active Age Benefits
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP):
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit for people aged 16 to pension age. It helps with extra costs related to illness or disability.
- Universal Credit:
Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for working-aged individuals. The amount you receive depends on your income, savings, and investments.
- Employment & Support Allowance (ESA):
ESA provides financial support and personalised assistance to people with a disability or health condition. While it has largely been replaced by Universal Credit, you may still be eligible for new-style ESA based on your National Insurance contributions.
Pension Age Benefits
If you are of state pension age or older, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance (AA), a non-means-tested benefit. AA is designed for people who need help with personal care due to a disability or health issue, such as sight loss. Many older adults with severe vision impairment receive AA.
Other Concessions and Support
There are numerous services and organisations offering discounts and concessions to people with disabilities. Attractions like cinemas, theatres, zoos, and others often provide reduced-price tickets or free entry for carers.
By asking in advance, you may also benefit from early entry to venues, a tour of the space, or access to additional resources such as audio guides or description headsets, making the experience more inclusive and enjoyable.
Help with Benefits and Financial Support
If you’re unsure about what benefits you may be entitled to or need help with applications, there is free, confidential support available.
We recommend reaching out to trusted organisations such as:
- Age Concern Hampshire – offering local advice and support, especially for older people
- Citizens Advice – providing guidance on a wide range of benefits, including help with claims, appeals, and understanding your entitlements
- Age UK – supports older people with advice, services, and campaigns to improve health, wellbeing, and independence
- Advice Portsmouth – provides free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to people living in the PO1-PO6 areas of Portsmouth
If you are applying for Universal Credit, the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service can support you from your initial application through to your first payment. Their specially trained advisers can help you gather evidence, complete your application, and prepare for your first JobCentre appointment.
You can access Help to Claim by phone or online:
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Call free: 0800 144 8 444 (England)
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Chat online with an adviser or find more information: citizensadvice.org.uk/helptoclaim
These services are here to make sure you get the advice and support you need to navigate the benefits system confidently.
Edited: 12th May 2025
