Partially Sighted Help

MattSt89

Just wondering if someone could help me out with advice and direction. I have several issues with my eyes and gradually has led to issues with my sight which affects my day to day activities and living, getting around and generally doing day to day tasks. I see a consultant at the hospital, he has just recommended that I register as partially sighted because I fit the criteria. He has completed the relevant form and have had the hospital on the telephpne this morning.

She said she would be referring me to the sight service, the low vision clinic and RNIB for support as well as my GP and social services would receive a copy of the partially sighted certificate.

She mentioned that I could apply for PIP which in return would assist with helping with any additional costs I incur to be able to complete my day to day tasks, I have no experience of applying or even with sight issues in the sense that if claims in relation are generally accepted.

Any advice or direction would be appreciated.

calcotti

Lots of advice here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

Partial sight may well restrict your activities such that you would qualify for some PIP.

I believe the RNIB have advisers who may be able to give you more directly relevant advice https://www.rnib.org.uk/benefits-and-support

You say nothing about your broader situation. Are you working or already on other benefits or both?

MattSt89

Thanks for the information and links.

Sorry, I was made redundant in July 2018 and I therefore claim JSA.

I'm currently looking for work, as I have no issue with this, I just struggle with certain tasks and activities.

I'm also hoping to study for a level 4 qualification which is permitted under JSA, as it is a distance learning provider so I can still take up a job and seek as well but also when I get a job don't have to give up the studying.

calcotti

MattSt89 wrote: »

Thanks for the information and links.

Sorry, I was made redundant in July 2018 and I therefore claim JSA.

I'm currently looking for work, as I have no issue with this, I just struggle with certain tasks and activities.

I'm also hoping to study for a level 4 qualification which is permitted under JSA, as it is a distance learning provider so I can still take up a job and seek as well but also when I get a job don't have to give up the studying.

Good luck to you - I only asked in case you needed pointing in other directions too. To be clear, PIP has nothing to do with work so you can be entitled to PIP and able to work. PIP is concerned with the difficulties you have managing normal daily activities.

xylophone

https://www.rnib.org.uk/information-everyday-living-benefits-and-concessions-benefits-people-working-age/personal

MattSt89

Thanks for the kind words and the links.

Ill see what the sight service and the low vision clinic can help me with.

tazwhoever

OP - your consultant is right. You will have automatically right to freedom pass if you live in London. PIP will also come depending on your answers. ESA with come if your eyesight is poor.

From experience as a relevant has a problem with eyes.

Good luck

MattSt89

Got the information the hospital sent me today.

They sent me the form to sign and send back with an envelope with some sort of sticker on it.

She says I don't need to pay for postage, is this correct?

[Deleted User]

Not sure what the sticker is but maybe that is there to say the postage is covered?

I would have a look at the PIP descriptors and see where the tasks and activities you can’t do fit in.

Social services and the sight service will conduct assessments so it might be a good idea to get copies as supporting evidence.

Good luck though with the studying.

MattSt89

Hey guys

I didn't want to make a new thread I just wanted to keep it all in one place.

My CVI has come through, and I've had an assessment with sight service with an enablement worker and also a separate assessment with a mobility officer.

Been given lots of support, but also a lot of stuff to use that they feel will benefit me, and after using it it has shown me that it is greatly helping me.

I still haven't put in for PIP as I haven't had the confidence to start the process but have been advised to because they say it will help cover the costs of equipment that would benefit me having but cant get this for free.

At the moment, I am using the following things:

1. Reading glasses to help with more focus.
2. Cane to help when it comes to using public transport, as I have issues with seeing numbers on buses and reading destinations, so it helps to show drivers I need extra support.
3. A magnifier to help with general reading of books and letters etc.
4. Another magnifier that I can keep around my neck that helps when I'm out shopping to read labels and prices on shelves and stuff like expiry dates.
5.A third smaller magnifier that is used to help read street signs etc as I struggle with this greatly.
6. Sunglasses, been advised to wear these when out to protect my eyes further.
7. A liquid level indicator to help when it comes to making hot drinks as I have had a few accidents with burning myself with hot water in the past.
8. I've requested a talking blood sugar monitoring device from an organisation as I have type 1 diabetes and this will help as I struggle to read the numbers on my normal one a lot.

Are these the sort of things I need to explain when it does come to the PIP forms?

There are other stuff I need but unfortunately at this time I cant afford them and they cant be given for free, apparently there are some grants available but I haven't looked into this yet.

Any help or comments would be appreciated please.

elsien

It may be worth seeing if there is an advice service in your area that can help with the form filling - CAB or something more local. If you can get an appointment with one of their specialist advisors they know how best to phrase things to tick the boxes.

Have you seen the RNIB PIP toolkit - that may help you understand how your sight issues relate to the descriptors.
https://www.rnib.org.uk/personal-independence-payment-toolkit