RNIB entitlements

When did she last apply for DLA? It might be worth applying again (or making a claim if she hasn't before). She can get help from the Citizens Advice Bureau to do the forms or another Welfare Rights Adviser in her area. They could also advise whether she is receiving all the benefits she might be entitled to.

I don't know how successful or otherwise DLA applications are for partially sighted. Can she get help through her nearest blind/partially sighted help centre? Or if there isn't one, what about giving RNIB a ring for pointers?

Their website might have some info or lead to contacts:

RNIB

You will find a two minute self-assessment test for DLA here

BenefitsandWork DLA self assessment test

And another here to compare the results.
Benefitsnow Assess Yourself for Disability Living Allowance
These will give you a guide to whether or not you need sufficient help from another person for the care you need for the bodily function of seeing.

The link that Fran has provided to RNIB has a checklist here

RNIB Checklist for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance
Action for Blind People also have a checklist and helpline to ensure you put your case in the best possible way.
Action for Blind People DLA checklist

You will see from these lists that there may be things about the way you manage which are common sense to you but which demonstrate the extra need for care your disability demands. It is this extra care and supervision which needs detailing and although Fran is quite right to suggest you need the help of an experienced Welfare Rights provider such as the CAB you may also find that using the specialist help from those experienced with making claims on behalf of the blind is also useful to supplement the excellent work of the CAB.

mclaren wrote: »

My mum has clocoma. She cant see out the sides of her eyes, only the front

I don't think DLA is really worked out by how well somebody can see, but how well they manage it. I am registered partially sighted and I get the same level as my mum who is totally blind. I had to go to a medical when I was claiming DLA, to prove how I manage, or don't manage as the case my be :rotfl:

Best thing to do is what Ted and Fran have advised.

H x

My 88yr old stepmother was registered partially-sighted earlier this year and she had to go through the hospital consultant that she was seeing about her eyesight to get the form filled and signed. She also now gets benefits because of this, I think it's the higher rate care allowance. I hope this has been of some help.