Do I get Financial help with glaucoma through universal credit

[Roblea007]

Hi guys.

I've just recently been diagnosed with glaucoma.

I've lost 50% vision In my right eye & 30% in my left eye. I'm only 37yrs old.

I'm very worried bout the financial impact on my family if I can't carry on doing my full time job.

I currently work in front of a computer screen allday long inputting data and working 35 hours per week Mon - fri

My wife is self employed and only works part time due to childcare arrangements so She can only work weekends.

We have an active "joint universal credit" claim that gets paid into my wife's bank account every month.

I'm really concerned about the financial impact of this diagnosis on my family.

Am I entitled to any financial assistance via universal credit if I can't carry on my fulltime job at 35 hours per week.

[Jennymary]

I don't know, but I've just looked on the GOV. UK website, under the heading change of circumstance there's a, long list of things you need to notify them about including change in health conditions, so perhaps you shoukd let them know, (I'm not on universal credit so can't advise any further)

[Anonoms]

The RNIB provide advice on benefits to those with sightloss and I guess it is time to get in touch with them. They do assist people who have a degree of sightloss, don't think because your vision has not totally gone that they will not help.

[muddledme]

So sorry to hear about your sight loss, and I do hope that you are getting good care since your diagnosis.

When you attend the hospital for follow up they should be able to answer some of your questions and give you a treatment plan.

In many hospital eye clinics there are 'E.L.O's (eye clinic liason officers)who can be very helpful and often are able to direct you to the correct department for benefits relating to your glaucoma.

If you phone your local hospital you could ask to speak to an ELO so you can begin to understand how to plan things.

Glaucoma UK helpline are also very good at directing you to obtain the correct help;

01233 64 81 70.

Glaucoma UK also have many downloadable leaflets about all sorts of topics relating to the disease, with their large print and variety of subjects I have found these excellent.

Best wishes

[Peg99]

Hi RobleaI'm sorry to hear about your situation.

I had to give up work because of glaucoma and at that time I was given (what turned into) ESA. As has already been said here, the benefits system is complicated and everyone's case seems to be different.

I found RNIB benefits line very helpful and a website called Benefits and Work (you can google them, their logo is a dog). They cover all benefits and give guidance on how to fill out claim forms. A final thought, The Hospital (possibly the ELO) should tell you whether you are partially sighted or not and if so officially register you as such with the Local Authority. Such a registration (blind in my case) unlocked a few avenues of help for me including blue badge (yes really!) and an unequivocal status for DWP.

I hope everything works out for you and that you and your family are OK

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear your news and the possible impact upon you and your family. I remember how depressed I felt when I was first diagnosed and when my driving licence was revoked. There's not much more that I can add to the good advice you have already been given by other Forum members. Once I had the DVLA letter headed 'You must not drive', it meant I could apply for a Concessionary Bus Pass, which meant I could get to work. It was another shock when I found I couldn't use it before 09.30! But I persisted with my local authority and now have I have a pre- exemption certificate to show the bus driver, which allows me to get to work on time.The liaison person in the ophthalmology department provided me with support for my particular issues, so do seek out this person if they exist in your health trust. I also contacted CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU for contact details of organisations to help.

Not sure if you are a driver, but I am also missing my licence as a form of ID, as my passport has expired during the pandemic.

Perhaps, support for those diagnosed with Glaucoma of working age is an area that GLAUCOMA UK could focus on in the future - they may have - I'm relatively new to their support. As the natural pension age increases, there will be many more of us.

Hope all goes well for you and that you find the support you need.