Getting registered

Below we explain why you may benefit from registering your sight loss, what to expect, and how to do it.

 

If you are concerned that you are losing your sight you should see your GP or optician. They can then refer you to an eye specialist or ophthalmologist who will assess you. Depending on the extent of your sight loss the specialist will advise if you qualify to register your sight loss with the local authority.

If you are eligible, the ophthalmologist will sign a ‘certificate of vision impairment’. You will receive a copy of the certificate, and a copy will be sent to your GP and to your Local Authority Social Services team. Depending on how much sight you have you may be assessed as either severely sight impaired (blind) or as sight impaired (partially sighted).

The Local Authority has legal responsibility for keeping the register. It is their responsibility to get in touch with you and assess the kinds of support you might need.

Local Authorities work to national service guidelines. They should aim to be in touch with you within 48 hours of receiving the form, and to have your initial assessment of needs completed within 28 days.

 

Registration is voluntary and there is no obligation to register. However if you do register, you may find it easier to access some benefits and concessions which will help you. Some people think that being registered means that eventually they will lose all of their sight. That’s not true. Your sight might deteriorate as time goes on, but not because you’ve agreed to registration. Registration is just a formal acknowledgement of your sight loss.

When you register, you may be entitled to all or some of these benefits and discounts.

• Blind person’s personal tax allowance – call 0845 366 7887
• Blue Badge scheme car parking permit – contact your own Local Authority
• 50% reduction on TV licence fee – call 0300 790 6131 and choose the appropriate option
• Free postage on any packages or letters marked ‘Articles for the Blind’ – call 0845 57 950 950, call in to a main post office, or order on line at

 

 rm.orders@royalmail.com

• code P4558.
• Disabled person’s railcard: over 30% off rail travel – call 0845 605 0525 and choose option 2
• Free eye tests – ask your optician before the test
• Local travel and leisure discounts. These vary according to your local area. Contact your local council to find out what is on offer where you live
• Cinema, museums and theatre discounts. Again, these are very specific to each organisation. Contact venues directly and ask what they offer 

 

Discounts do vary considerably in different parts of the country, depending on the policies of your Local Authority and other organisations

 

Other welfare benefits

  

There are no specific benefits for blind and partially sighted people- but depending on other circumstances in your life you may be entitled to claim other benefits from this list.

Attendance Allowance
If you’re over 65 and need help during the day or night – call 0800 88 22 00 – choose the appropriate option or wait for an adviser

Disability Living Allowance
If you’re under 65 and need help during the day or night ; or help to get around – call 0800 88 22 00 – choose the appropriate option or wait for an adviser

Pension Credit
If you’re over 60 and on a low income – call 0800 99 1234 – choose the appropriate option or wait for an adviser

Income support
If you’re under 60 and on a low income – call 0800 88 22 00 – choose the appropriate option or wait for an adviser

Council Tax and Housing Benefit
Help to pay some or all of your council tax and rent – contact your own local council

Child Tax Credit 
If you have at least one child living with you – call 0845 300 3900 – choose the appropriate option or wait for an adviser

Working Tax Credit
If you are on a low income - call 0845 300 3900 choose the appropriate option or wait for an adviser

Incapacity benefit
If you can’t work because of a disability – call 0800 88 22 00 choose the appropriate option or wait for an adviser

 

Further Reading:

 

The Benefits of Registering as Blind or Partially Sighted, RNIB March 2010,

105 Judd St, London WC1H 9NE ISBN 078 1 95878 700 8;

 

 

 

Further online sources

 

For more information about benefits online, visit www.direct.gov.uk

For more detailed information about sight loss, visit

 

www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightloss/Pages/sight_loss.aspx

 

Accessibility

This information can be made available in Braille, or audio CD should you require it, from

We value your feedback

 

If you would like to give us feedback, please call us on 0161 872 1234 or email

manchester@henshaws.org.uk

 To be reviewed: 01.10.13