Visual conditions reported on PIP claims range from cataracts to astigmatism and more
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can provide up to £749.80 per month to assist people with disabilities and health conditions that affect their mobility or ability to carry out everyday tasks such as dressing or cooking. Although the benefit isn’t allocated based on specific diagnoses, data from the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed the most frequently reported conditions for those claiming PIP.
The Taxpayers’ Alliance has compiled figures showing 11 primary types of visual disorders and impairments that qualify people for this disability benefit. In total, 55,076 are receiving PIP for these particular conditions.
Visual conditions being claimed for PIP:
- Cataract
- Diseases of the conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus
- Diseases of the retina and optic nerve
- Disorders of eye movement like strabismus, also known as a squint
- Glaucoma
- Visual injuries
- Other/unknown diseases affecting vision
- Refractive errors like astigmatism or long-sightedness and short-sightedness
- Uveitis
- Visual field defects like tunnel vision
- Vitreous disease
The most common visual condition being claimed for PIP is diseases of the retina and optic nerve, with 17,009 claimants. This category encompasses 11 conditions that can impact patients at various levels of severity.
Retinitis Pigmentosa is the most common diagnosis among this group, with 4,568 claimants. It’s a rare genetic disorder that causes two types of cells in the retina to die off, leading to a gradual loss of sight. However, many people with the condition maintain a useful level of central vision into their middle age, according to Retina UK.
Macular degeneration comes in as the second most common diagnosis, with 3,059 claimants. This common condition affects the central part of your vision and can make tasks like reading difficult, but it doesn’t lead to total blindness, says the NHS.
Diabetic retinopathy is claimed by 1,896 PIP recipients. This condition is caused by diabetes and can eventually result in sight loss if left untreated. It tends to progressively worsen over several years, according to the NHS.
Interestingly, it’s also possible to successfully claim PIP without an official or specified diagnosis. In fact, over 10,000 people claim PIP for visual diseases that are not known or otherwise listed, according to the data.
The exact amount people receive from PIP for each condition isn’t specified. The benefit is divided into two parts: the daily living aspect and the mobility aspect, which provide different rates depending on how a person’s condition affects them.
Payments in the first element range from £73.90 at the lower rate to £110.40 per week at the enhanced rate. Meanwhile, the mobility component can provide between £29.20 or £77.05 per week.
Eligibility for PIP isn’t determined by the specific condition you have, but rather how significantly it impacts your daily life and mobility. The extent of this impact also determines precisely how much you’ll receive from the disability benefit.