AMD added to list of conditions eligible for financial support

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been added to the list of conditions eligible for additional financial support by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

This development means that AMD is now on the DWP's list of qualifying conditions for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance. But, while the news is encouraging, does it change anything?

What does this mean for AMD patients?

Adding AMD to the list of qualifying conditions aims to make it easier and faster for decision-makers to recognise and approve claims for financial support. This change should, in theory, make it easier for people with AMD to access the benefits they need.

Colin Daniels, the Macular Society’s Working age and young people’s service manager who has 17 years of experience supporting blind and partially sighted people to claim welfare benefit, said: “While it is good news that AMD is now officially recognised, it is important to note that the actual process of receiving these benefits remains largely unchanged.”

Previously, people with AMD have been able to claim both Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance.

Claims will still be based on how the condition affects the claimants' every day lives. So, simply having AMD listed as a qualifying condition does not guarantee automatic approval for benefits.

Who can apply for these benefits?

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): PIP is available to people aged 16 through to State Pension age who have a long-term health condition or disability, including AMD, that affects their daily activities or mobility.
• Attendance Allowance: This benefit is available to people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability, including AMD.

Both benefits are designed to help cover extra living costs arising from these conditions.

Colin said: “Decision-makers judge claims based on how the condition affects the claimants' every day lives. Therefore, simply having AMD listed as a qualifying condition does not guarantee automatic approval for benefits. However, if you can prove it is having a significant impact on your life, you can make a claim.”

How do you claim? 

To successfully receive a payment, individuals must clearly show how severe their condition is and its impact on daily life.

Advice on Attendance Allowance

Following the announcements from Labour about Winter Fuel payments being scrapped for pensioners not on benefits, Colin advises applying for Attendance Allowance, if you are of state pension age and AMD is impacting your daily life. He said: “If you are successful in your application you could get extra pension credit meaning you will get the Winter Fuel payment.

“It also comes with other support, such as help with housing benefit or council tax reduction.”