Personal Independence Payments (PIP) offer up to £749.80 per month to help people with disabilities and health conditions that impact their mobility or ability to do everyday tasks like getting dressed or cooking. While the benefit isn't given out based on specific diagnoses, Department for Work and Pensions data does show the most commonly reported conditions for people claiming PIP.
Compiled by the Taxpayers' Alliance, the figures show 11 main types of visual disorders and impairments that are making people eligible for the disability benefit. In total, 55,076 are receiving PIP for these specific conditions.
Visual conditions being claimed for PIP:
The most common visual condition being claimed for PIP is diseases of the retina and optic nerve, with 17,009 claimants. This category includes 11 conditions that can affect patients at various levels of severity.
Retinitis Pigmentosa is the most common diagnosis in this group, with 4,568 claimants. It's a rare genetic condition wherein two types of cells in the retina die, causing a gradual loss of sight, although many people with the condition retain a useful level of central vision into their middle age, according to Retina UK.
Macular degeneration is the second most common diagnosis, with 3,059 claimants. This is a common condition that affects the middle part of the vision and can make things like reading difficult but doesn't cause total blindness according to the NHS.
1,896 claim PIP for Diabetic retinopathy, which is caused by diabetes and can eventually lead to sight loss if it's left untreated. It tends to get gradually worse over several years, according to the NHS.
it is also possible to successfully claim PIP without an official or specified diagnosis. In total, over 10,000 people claim PIP for visual diseases that are not known or otherwise listed according to the data.
How much people receive from PIP for each condition isn't listed. The benefit is split into two parts; the daily living aspect and the mobility aspect which provide different rates depending on how a person's condition affects them.
Payments in the first element range from £73.90 on the lower rate to £110.40 per week on the enhanced rate. While mobility can provide between £29.20 or £77.05 per week.
Qualifying for PIP isn't based on what condition you have but rather how much it affects your day-to-day life and mobility. The severity of this impact also dictates exactly how much you'll get from the disability benefit.