Welfare and Benefits Advice

Benefits review

We can advise you on what you may be entitled to and support you with applications for blue badges and TV licences. If we think you’re not receiving the benefits that you are entitled to, we can refer you for a benefits review with DIAL, a disability information and advice service run by DisAbility Cornwall. If you need help to complete a benefits application form, we can assist you with that.

Do I need to be registered?

Being registered as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind) does not automatically entitle you to certain welfare benefits, however it does often make it easier for you to claim some of them. Your registration confirms your sight loss and helps as evidence in your claim.

What benefits could I claim?

Attendance Allowance

This is for people over state pension age who need help with personal care because of a physical or mental condition or disability. There are two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability. If you claim an Attendance Allowance you could be entitled to extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction. The Attendance Allowance is also tax-free and not income-related.

Find out more: Attendance Allowance  

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is for people aged between 16 and state pension age. It can help with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability. The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. It’s tax-free and you can claim it whether you’re in or out of work. To be eligible for PIP you must have a long-term health condition or disability and difficulties with activities related to daily living and/or mobility.

Find out more: Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Pension Credit

You may be entitled to Pension Credit if you and your partner (if you live with a partner) are over state pension age and are on a low income. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs and can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. In addition, if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, you could receive a one-off payment in the winter to reduce your electricity bill.

Find out more: Pension Credit  

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work. You must be aged between 18 and the State Pension age and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments in order to be eligible.

Find out more: Universal Credit 

Blind Person’s Allowance

Blind Person’s Allowance is a tax-free allowance which means you can earn more before you start paying Income Tax. You can only claim Blind Person’s Allowance if you’re registered with your local council as severely sight impaired (blind) or you have a document from your doctor that says you’re blind or severely sight impaired. You can transfer your Blind Person’s Allowance to your spouse or civil partner if you do not pay tax or cannot use all of it.

Find out more: Blind Person’s Allowance 

Disability Living Allowance

This is a tax-free benefit for disabled people who need help with mobility or care costs. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can now only be claimed on behalf of children under the age of 16 years. However, if you were born on or before 8 April 1948, you’ll continue to get DLA as long as you’re eligible for it. There are two components of DLA; the care component and the mobility component. Your child might qualify for one or both components and the amount of benefit awarded depends on the level of help your child needs.

Find out more: Disability Living Allowance

Additional benefits

If any of these benefits are awarded it may increase the amount of Pension Credit you’re entitled to and reduce the amount of Housing Benefit or Council Tax you have to pay. Additionally, your carer (if you have one) may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance in their own right.

Find out more: Carer’s Allowance

Support with energy bills

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 23 September 1958 and receive pension credit or other benefits you may be eligible for a payment to help you with your heating bills. This is known as the Winter Fuel Payment. If you are eligible the payment will usually be made between November and December.

Find out more: Winter Fuel Payment

Warm Home Discount

If you are in receipt of the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit you’ll automatically receive a discount off your electricity bill. You may also be eligible for the discount if you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme. The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill between October and March.
You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. And you may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.

Find out more: Warm Home Discount