People who have a common health condition could receive thousands of pounds from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The money can be available from the DWP for those who have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects one in five people by the time they reach older age. Those with AMD can apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and could receive between £72.65 and £108.55 a week.
Symptoms of AMD include blurred vision, and a quick test at your GP surgery can confirm a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you can contact the DWP to apply for financial assistance with additional expenses. You'll need to fill out a form, but DWP staff are available to help.
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You can also contact the DWP on 0800 917 2222 or textphone 0800 917 7777 for assistance and to start your application. More details are available here.
PIP is designed to assist with daily living activities and mobility. As such, it's divided into two components: a daily living component and a mobility component. You may be successful in claiming one or both components. PIP isn't means-tested, so you can claim it regardless of your income, and it's not taxable, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Neil Laird, a special optometrist at Pure Optical, highlighted the impact of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), saying: "AMD generally affects those over 55, becoming increasingly more common the older you get as your macula begins to deteriorate. This condition affects the middle of your vision, leading to blurring or black spots that can make it hard to read, recognise faces or drive, and as it progresses, puts sufferers at risk of falls and other injuries."
Those with AMD could be entitled to additional government support exceeding £5,644 annually. Elaborating on the financial assistance available, Mr Laird 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."
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