Poor Vision? Claim Up to £441 Monthly in Unclaimed Benefits

Many individuals in the UK with poor eyesight may be missing out on financial support that could amount to as much as £441 a month. This unclaimed benefit, known as Attendance Allowance, is currently provided to over 1.6 million people, aimed at assisting with daily living costs for those whose needs are significant enough to hinder self-care.

Attendance Allowance is designed for individuals who face challenges due to various disabilities, whether physical or mental. However, it does not cover mobility needs. The tax-free benefit varies based on individual circumstances, with some recipients eligible for as much as £110.40 per week. This translates to a potential monthly sum of £441.60.

The allowance can be utilized for various expenses that promote independence, such as transportation costs or utility bills. Notably, this benefit is not means-tested, meaning recipients are not penalized based on their savings. Additionally, those who qualify will not be affected by the Benefit Cap, allowing them to retain other allowances and their State Pension.

Applying for Attendance Allowance is straightforward, with options to submit claims online or via post. Applicants need to provide their National Insurance number, details of their health condition, and personal information such as their address and GP contact details. After submitting a claim, applicants can expect a response via text or letter within three weeks, detailing the timeline for their claim’s processing.

The announcement about Attendance Allowance follows reports indicating that many individuals could also be overlooking Universal Credit, another significant benefit designed to support daily living expenses. The amount awarded through Universal Credit is contingent on age and living arrangements. For instance, individuals under 25 living alone may receive up to £316.98 monthly, while those 25 or older could qualify for up to £400.14. Couples under 26 living together may receive £497.55 monthly, increasing to £628.10 for couples aged 25 and above.

To help individuals ascertain their eligibility for these benefits, several calculators are available. The charity Turn2Us offers a benefits calculator, which can provide insight into potential entitlements. Other tools, such as those from Entitledto, MoneySavingExpert.com, and StepChange, can also assist in determining qualifying benefits, tax credits, and Universal Credit amounts.

While exact entitlements will only be confirmed upon claim submission, these calculators serve as a valuable resource for individuals to explore their possible benefits. As many continue to navigate financial challenges, awareness of available support is crucial.