As well as those already described there are some financial benefits to registration.
Possible Financial Benefits (B-Blind, PS-Partially Sighted)
The following benefits apply to Blind (B) and Partially Sighted (PS) as indicated:
(B) Blind person’s personal Income Tax Allowance can be transferred to a partner on request.
(B)(PS) Disability Living Allowance (DLA); for people under 66 when making a claim. Non-means tested benefit for help with personal care and mobility. Most visually impaired people qualify for lower Care and/or lower Mobility components. You are advised to seek help when claiming.
(B)(PS) Attendance Allowance; for people over 66 who need help with personal care.
(B)(PS) Additional Income Support. You may qualify for additional ‘premiums’ if you are registered blind or partially sighted but receiving other benefits; such as Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Middle Rate (DLA) or Attendance Allowance. This may mean you qualify for Income Support even if you did not qualify before registration.
(B)(PS) Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit.
As for Income Support, additional Disability Premium may enable you to qualify for benefit.
(B)(PS) Exemption from ‘non dependants’ deduction from Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit may be applicable.
(B)(PS) Severe Disablement Allowance for people of working age, incapable of work.
(B)(PS) Incapacity Benefit for people who have had to stop working due to disability.
Local Authority Services – Kirklees Council
Benefit/concession and comments:
(B)(PS) Talking Books: the subscription to RNIB Talking Books may be paid on your behalf.
(B)(PS) Aids and Equipment such as talking watch or clock, writing aid, white cane and training in their use.
(B) Radio/cassette recorder,CD/Radio/Cassette recorder on free loan through the Wireless for The Blind Fund (via Society for the Blind).
(B)(PS) Blue Badge Parking concession can be used in any car you are travelling in.
(B) Free Bus Pass for registered blind people only.
(PS) Concessionary Bus Pass.
Health Services
(B)(PS) Low vision Aids e.g. Magnifiers are available on free loan through the Hospital Eye Service, ask your Consultant Ophthalmologist/G.P. or Social Worker.
(B)(PS) Free NHS Sight Test at any opticians; tell the optician you are registered before the test.
(B)(PS) Free Prescriptions, you may be entitled if you are unable to leave home without help.
Employment Services
(B)(PS) Access to Work. The Employment Service offer advice, support, training, equipment, personal reader, fares to work – all under Access To Work Scheme. Help is available to employers and employees. Contact the Society for the Blind. Contact also the Royal National Institute for the Blind.
(B)(PS) Help for Self-Employed People – as above.
Other Benefits / Concessions
(B)(PS) Free telephone Directory Enquiries.
To register, contact the Society.
(B)(PS) Disabled Persons Railcard gives discounts of around 33% on Rail travel for you and a guide, ask any BR station or Society for the Blind for a leaflet.
(B)(PS) Postal or Proxy vote at elections. Apply to Electoral Services Manager, well in advance of an election.
(B)(PS) Free loan of Audio Books from the Library; complete an application form from the library.
(B)(PS) Free local Kirklees Recorder, Talking Newspaper, ask at the Society for the Blind.
(B) 50% Reduction in T.V. Licence Fee for registered blind people, under 75 years of age. We recommend that you take advice when applying for benefits. Benefit rules can be complicated, but do not be put off applying or seeking help.
Contact your Social Worker for up to date information.
