Are there any benefits I can claim to help me look after my child with a vision impairment?

UK-wide 

A summary of wider financial support for parents of children with vision impairment, including benefits, concessions and grants can be found on Financial support for parents | RNIB | RNIB 

Further information on benefits for children, including a benefits calculator and guidance on making an effective claim for DLA or PIP, can be found on Benefits for a blind or partially sighted child | RNIB | RNIB 

RNIB Advice Service offers free support with benefits application appeals for disability-related benefits, including Mandatory Reconsiderations (MRs) and tribunals. Specialist Advice Service Advisors can give further information on this topic.

England, Northern Ireland and Wales 

Parents of children aged 0-16 may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carers Allowance (CA). Parents may also be able to claim benefits based on their income.  

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) replaces DLA once a child turns 16 and is often paid directly to the child. A new application for PIP needs to be made when a child nears their 16th birthday. PIP has different eligibility criteria, and our toolkit can be used when applying: RNIB's Personal Independence Payment toolkit | RNIB 

Parents receiving DLA and young people receiving PIP will be paid a Christmas Bonus of £10 each year. The bonus is paid automatically and it will not affect any other benefits you might get. 

Scotland 

Child Disability Payment (CDP) replaces DLA and Adult Disability Payment (ADP) replaces PIP in Scotland. The rules to qualify for these are slightly different to DLA and PIP. If you live in Scotland, please see RNIB Benefits in Scotland