Changes to the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) higher rate mobility component from 11 April 2011 mean that some blind/deafblind people may be entitled to an extra £30 per week.
To be considered for the higher rate, you must be under 65 and registered or certified as severely sight impaired (blind), although not everyone who is registered blind will qualify.
What do you need to do?
If you already receive the lower rate mobility component of DLA, you don’t need to do anything now.
The DWP will be calling everyone who currently claims on the basis of sight loss to find out if they are entitled to an increase. Calls will take place from late November 2010 until March 2011. You can prepare for this call by finding your certificate of visual impairment (CVI or BD8, or BP1 in Scotland), or a consultant’s report noting your visual acuity and visual field, and having it ready to hand. This will help speed up your claim. Ask your hospital ophthalmologist for a copy if you do not have one, or you can call the RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 for advice to help you obtain it.
You can find more details about the changes, including who can claim and the requirements, on the RNIB website.
The higher rate mobility component and deafblindness
The mobility component is designed to help people who have difficultly with getting around and is paid at two levels.
The lower rate is designed for people who are 'unable, without the assistance of another person, to walk to any intended or required destination while out of doors'. This includes deafblind people who can walk, but need a guide when out of doors.
Getting the higher rate of the mobility component because of sensory impairments can be difficult. However, there is a provision within the DLA regulations for 'people who are both deaf and blind' to receive the higher rate mobility component.
For more information please click here for the information team's contact details.
