How you can get £434 government is offering if you have common eye condition

An official health charity has outlined how Britons suffering from an irregular eye condition can receive extra financial aid.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is the UK’s biggest public service department. As well as being responsible for administering State Pensions and overseeing child maintenance policy, the DWP also offers Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for those experiencing long-term mental or physical health conditions.

Those with AMD can now claim PIP. (Getty stock image)

How do you qualify for PIP?

If you’re over the age of 16 and under the State Pension age of 66 and have a long-term condition which falls under the PIP jurisdiction, then you could be eligible for the benefit.

Today, there are a number of disabilities and various illnesses that PIP pays out for, including those experiencing psychiatric disorders and musculoskeletal diseases.

If you’re over the State Pension age then you can apply for a similar benefit known as Attendance Allowance (AA).

You will be eligible to receive AA as long as you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

Recently, the important scheme has allowed those suffering from a degenerative eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to make good on the payment.

The condition is common (Getty stock photo)

What is AMD and the condition’s symptoms?

Mayo Clinic describes AMD as the ‘No. 1 cause of vision loss for adults over age 50’ and describes how it affects a specific part of the retina called the macula.

Symptoms include sensitivity; difficulty adjusting to light; blurred or distorted spots in your vision; hallucinations and colours appearing duller, as per the NHS.

The institution also says AMD usually develops in people who are over 55 and can increase the risk of falling and sustaining other injuries.

How much can AMD sufferers claim in PIP?

So, if you are an AMD sufferer and it’s making everyday activities a chore then you can claim a whopping £434.20 per month or £5,644 of government funding.

Speaking about funding for AMD being available via the DWP, Neil Laird, special optometrist at Pure Optical, said: “Depending on their age and the severity of the disease, those with AMD can receive up to £108.55 per week, or £434.20 per month to cover extra living costs, such as paying for a carer, transport, or adaptations to the home.”

So, how do you get your hands on the payments?

You can claim up to £434.20 per month from the DWP. (Getty stock image)

How you can successfully claim PIP

According to the Macular Society, you can apply for PIP by calling the PIP Claim line on: 0800 917 2222.

You will have to supply some personal details including your National Insurance number, your name, address of your GP and your bank details.

DWP will then send you a form where you must list your conditions, declare any medication you take and the details of eye care professionals that have supported you in the past.

After completing and returning your form, you will be asked to attend one of the PIP face-to-face assessments.

Following the meeting, a report will be written up and sent to the DWP who will then make an executive decision regarding your claim.