On behalf of husband with Glaucoma

[Mollymoo71_]

My husband was diagnosed with glaucoma a few years ago and has got considerably worse recently, he’s on 6 drops a day and has had laser treatment. While the right eye is settling for the time being the left is on a fast downward slope, now getting booked in for urgent Trabeculectomy within 4 weeks.

His biggest concern is driving, whilst he’s on a yearly DVLA licence for this and is a huge worry every time it comes round, ( will he/won’t he lose is licence 😩)

He needs his license for work as a carpenter/builder…having the op means no work for weeks due to pressure and dust and at 61 and looking to the future it’s too soon to retire. Although it’s horrid talking about money we wanted to know it there are any disability allowances or help out there?? All I can find is ‘might be eligible’ so would be good to know this could happen if/when it gets to bad as fear we are close to that time.

Many thanks for your time, The wife 🥰

[dillydream]

Disability rights Uk are spot on with benefits. Rnib are very helpful

disabilityrightsuk.org/

[Blindbatuk]

Has your husband’s eye consultant discussed “registration” with him? Either for partially sighted or seriously sight impaired.

I’m just looking into this myself. I’m unclear on financial support because the benefits calculators appear to be means tested which resulted in my quick survey resulting in zero financial benefit allowances. However I don’t think that includes PIP or the £3000 tax allowance for blind people.

Still investigating myself!

[JustAmanda]

He may be eligible for non means tested benefits. There is a Government website which covers Benefits, but you might get better advice from a relevant charity.

If he can’t work at all, he could become eligible for benefits, but some would be means tested, and influenced by any savings you might have.

Being on Benefits also influences how much you pay in Council Tax. But really, each individual situation is so unique, you need an expert. He may even be eligible for Motorbility payments.

Try not to get too anxious at this stage, but I know it must feel deeply concerning.

[Littletreasures]

Is he self employed? Have a look at ESA.

[LondonStadium]

Hi MollySorry to hear about your husband his story sounds near enough like mine pretty much exactly the same.

I carried on working for as long as I could until my vision caused too many problems ( site work , driving etc ) .

I hadn't paid enough N.I contributions my own fault so wasn't entitled to any benefits while I was off eork and rightly so but if your husband is up to date on those I'm sure you will get something plus you can apply for pip which isn't earnings related .

I got out of carpentry last year had enough self employed for 40 odd years , I work at a hospital portering wish I had done it years ago .

Anyways good luck and hope all goes well for your hubby stay positive .

[judetheobscure22]

Hi MollyIf your husband has decent eyesight in one eye and no other health conditions it's unlikely he'd be eligible for disability benefits. However there's a good self-test at benefitsandwork.co.uk/perso... - give that a go and see whether it's worth applying. Always a good idea to get a bit of help with the application form from Citizens Advice or similar charities.

While he's off work or if income falls, you might be eligible for universal credit and or ESA depending on NI contributions/income. Try one of the benefit calculators such as entitledto.co.uk/benefits-c... .