People with poor eyesight could be due up to £749 each month through PIP or ADP
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - information
People with eyesight issues such as a visual impairment, vision loss or high myopia could be entitled to extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of April, some 58,960 people were receiving payments of up to £187.45 each week through PIP.
Similar data from Social Security Scotland indicates there are now 2,010 people receiving ADP for an eye condition. An estimated 188,000 people in Scotland are affected by some form of sight loss with that figure expected to double by 2031, according to the charity, Sight Scotland, formerly known as Royal Blind.
On a larger scale, there are around two million people living with a sight impairment or a degenerative eye condition across Great Britain who may not be aware of the extra support designed to help with additional daily living costs or mobility needs.
The latest data shows that at the end of April 2025, some more than 58,960 people were receiving support through PIP for over 45 visual conditions.
PIP claimants for visual disorders:
Scotland: 46 (does not include case transfer or new claims of Adult Disability Payment)
England and Wales: 58,827
Living abroad: 52
Unknown: 36
Great Britain Total: 58,960
Most common eye conditions
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Macular Degeneration - Wet and Dry (also referred to as age-related MD)
Retina and optic nerve - other diseases of / type not known
Diabetic Retinopathy (a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes)
High myopia (short sightedness)
If you have daily living and/or mobility needs, because of a sight condition or low vision, you may be eligible for PIP or ADP and should consider making a claim. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it follows similar eligibility criteria.
Visual conditions supported through PIP and ADP
The following list is provided by the DWP and consists of the main eye conditions for which people are claiming PIP. This is recorded at the time of assessment. It's important to be aware that no two conditions can be compared side-by-side and you are assessed for PIP and ADP on how your condition affects you.
If your eye condition is not listed, it may be grouped under 'unknown' which is not shown here. For example, Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (POHS) is a rare degenerative condition that affects central vision. It is not listed, but is medically classed as part of the Macular Degeneration family.
Diseases of conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus
Conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids and lacrimal apparatus - Other diseases of / type not known
Corneal ulceration
Entropion
Herpes zoster - ophthalmic
Keratitis
Keratoconus
Orbital cellulitis
Ptosis
Scleritis
Uveitis
Anterior Uveitis (iritis)
Chorioretinal disorders - Other / type not known
Posterior (choroiditis)
Glaucoma
Visual injuries to the eye
Vitreous disease
Posterior vitreous detachment
Vitreous disease - Other / type not known
Vitreous haemorrhage
Diseases of the retina and optic nerve
Diabetic retinopathy
Hypertensive retinopathy
Macular degeneration
Optic atrophy
Optic neuritis
Retina and optic nerve - Other diseases of / type not known
Retinal artery occlusion
Retinal detachment
Retinal vein occlusion
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinopathy - Other / type not known
Cataract
Refractive errors
Astigmatism
Hypermetropia (long-sighted)
Myopia (short-sighted)
Presbyopia
Refractive errors - Other / type not known
Disorders of eye movement
Eye movement - Other disorders of / type not known
Nystagmus
Strabismus (Squint)
Visual field defects
Amblyopia
Cortical blindness
Diplopia (double vision)
Hemianopia
Quadrantanopia
Scotoma
Tunnel vision
Visual field defects - Other / type not known
White cane users
If you use a white cane - long or short - to help you safely move around outside, you could be eligible for the enhanced rate of the mobility component which is worth £77.05 each week or £308.20 every four-week pay period.
The question on the 'How Your Disability Affects You' 'PIP 2 evidence form' awards 12 points if you answer 'yes' to the following:
Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, an assistance dog or an orientation aid (for example a white cane)
PIP and ADP provide weekly support of between £29.20 and £187.45, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Both disability benefits are designed to help people with the additional costs of living with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.
Below is an overview of PIP and ADP. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV.SCOT website here.
Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
preparing, cooking or eating food
managing your medication
washing, bathing or using the toilet
dressing and undressing
engaging and communicating with other people
reading and understanding written information
making decisions about money
planning a journey or following a route
moving around
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
How are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is made up of two components:
Daily living
Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
Standard rate: £73.90
Enhanced rate: £110.40
Mobility
Standard rate: £29.20
Enhanced rate: £77.05
How you are assessed
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
your contact details
your date of birth
your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
your bank or building society account number and sort code
your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number
dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
How to apply for ADP
People can apply for ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
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