The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published a full list of 45 eye and ear conditions that qualify state pensioners for monthly payments of up to £459 through Attendance Allowance. Over 51,000 people above State Pension age are currently receiving these regular payments.
Attendance Allowance Overview
Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to help older people with additional costs arising from disabilities or health conditions. The latest DWP figures from August 2025 show 51,096 pensioners claiming this benefit. Following the annual uprating, payments are now £76.70 per week at the lower rate and £114.60 per week at the higher rate, equating to up to £459 per month.
Eligibility for Visual Impairments
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) emphasizes that claimants do not need to be registered as blind or partially sighted to qualify. What matters is how sight affects daily living. Registration can serve as evidence, but alternative proof such as a letter from a consultant or GP is also accepted.
Full List of Qualifying Conditions
The DWP has confirmed the following 45 eye and ear conditions that can qualify for Attendance Allowance:
- Conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus: Other diseases of / type not known, Corneal ulceration, Entropion, Herpes zoster - ophthalmic, Keratitis, Keratoconus, Orbital cellulitis, Ptosis, Scleritis
- Anterior Uveitis (iritis)
- Chorioretinal disorders: Other / type not known, Posterior (choroiditis)
- Glaucoma
- Visual injuries to the eye
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Vitreous disease: Other / type not known, Vitreous haemorrhage
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Optic atrophy
- Optic neuritis
- Retina and optic nerve: Other diseases of / type not known, Retinal artery occlusion, Retinal detachment, Retinal vein occlusion, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Retinopathy - Other / type not known
- Cataract
- Refractive errors: Astigmatism, Hypermetropia (long-sighted), Myopia (short-sighted), Presbyopia, Other / type not known
- Eye movement disorders: Other disorders of / type not known, Nystagmus, Strabismus (Squint), Amblyopia
- Cortical blindness
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Hemianopia
- Quadrantanopia
- Scotoma
- Tunnel vision
- Visual field defects: Other / type not known
How to Claim
Pensioners with any of these conditions are encouraged to apply for Attendance Allowance. The RNIB advises that if sight problems make daily life difficult, registration can help ensure access to additional support. Claim forms are available on the GOV.UK website or by contacting the DWP.
