Pensioners with eyesight issues could claim up to £458 from DWP

Pensioners with eyesight issues could be missing out on hundreds of pounds in help from the UK Government. Brits over state pension age can claim Attendance Allowance as a tax-free non-means-tested weekly benefit if they have a physical or mental disability, including issues with their eyesight. Recipients will receive either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, paid as a monthly lump sum of £306.80 and £458.40 respectively. Around two million people across Britain are living with eyesight issues or a degenerative eye condition, with three out of four reporting vision impairment aged over 65, the Daily Record reports. Despite this, just shy of 50,000 people over state pension age receive regular Attendance Allowance payments. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures show there were 49,546 pensioners claiming the benefit in November 2025. Those who qualify for the lower rate must show they need frequent help or constant supervision during the day or not. Meanwhile, those receiving the higher band must demonstrate a need for help or supervision throughout both day and night, or be terminally ill. Common eyesight conditions that qualify for Attendance Allowance include conjunctiva, presbyopia, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Because the hand-out is not means tested, it is not subject to a limit based on other savings and because it's tax free, it is exempt from the Benefict Cap. Other benefits including Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction and Council Tax Reducation can even increase once Attendance Allowance has been awarded. Eligibility does not extend to those already receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to fund their care, however. Otherwise, applications for the benefit can be made by post or over the phone, with support available from Citizens Advice to help navigate the lengthy claim form.