On this page we tell you about the different benefits - particularly Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - and concessions that you can claim if you are the parent or guardian of a child who is blind or partially sighted. By 'child' we mean:
-
children under 16
-
or young people up to age 19 who are in full-time, non-advanced education.
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main benefit to claim and we strongly recommend you do so. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from making a claim:
-
it is not means tested
-
it is tax free
-
it could increase your entitlement to other benefits.
You can claim DLA if:
-
you are the parent of a child under 16 with severe sight problems
-
and your child has had these problems for at least three months
-
and your child is expected to have these problems for at least six months.
There are two components of DLA and each of these are paid at different rates according to how much help your child needs.
-
You can claim the care component from your child's birth. You can receive either the lower, middle or higher rate depending on how often your child needs attention or supervision during the day and night.
-
You can claim the mobility component from when your child is three years old.
You may receive either a lower or higher rate depending on how much guidance or supervision your child needs when out and about. This can be because of sight loss alone or because your child has other disabilities as well.
You can receive the care component or mobility component or both. Many blind and partially sighted children should qualify for at least the lowest rate of both components (depending on their age).
Things to bear in mind when making your claim for DLA for your child
Our DLA pages give more general details about how to claim DLA and tips for filling in the form, but there are two extra pointers for you to consider when claiming for a child.
Firstly, evidence and examples are vital when filling out your claim form. We always recommend keeping a diary of your child's needs to help you do this. For children, it is also worthwhile including a letter from your child's teacher describing the extra attention they need and a copy of your child's Special Educational Needs (SEN) Statement. This Statement from your local authority details your child's educational needs and what special arrangements they have put in place to meet them.
All children need some care or support because of their age, so focus on the extra help that your child needs compared to a sighted child of the same age. This can be anything from stimulating your child by presenting objects to them that they could not otherwise see, to helping your child develop communication skills by letting them know when others are smiling. We give plenty of other useful examples in our factsheet.
Carer's Allowance
If you successfully claim the DLA middle or higher rate care component for your child, you or your partner may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. It is not means-tested, but it is taxable and it is taken into account when other benefits are calculated.
To claim Carer's Allowance you must:
-
be 16 or over
-
spend at least 35 hours a week looking after a person who receives DLA middle or higher rate care component
-
not earn more than £100 a week after deductions
-
not be in full-time education.
Call the Carer's Allowance Unit on 0845 608 4321 or the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 to request a claim form.
Please note that if you already get Carer's Allowance for looking after an adult or a child, you cannot get it for looking after another person.
Tax Credits
As a parent, you may be able to claim one or both of Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. Read more about Tax Credits.
Health benefits
Your child could qualify for free prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and help with the cost of glasses. Call 0845 850 1166 to request a claim form. Read more about help with NHS costs.
TV licence discount
If your child is registered blind ("severely sight impaired"), you can get a 50 per cent discount on the cost of your TV licence. You will need to put the licence in your child's name, but there is no age limit. You will need to show your child's registration certificate when you renew your licence. For further information, contact the TV Licensing team on 0844 800 5875.
Further information
For more information about any of the subjects here, download our factsheet:
If you experience difficulties claiming any of the benefits on this page, disagree with a decision or want further information, please call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
Please note that we can only give advice about benefits for blind and partially sighted people and their carers or dependants.
This information gives general guidance only and is not an authoritative statement of the law.