SSI Registration - any reason not to?

[Blindbatuk]

Hi,

I asked my previous eye consultant if they would fill a form out to say I was visually impaired. It was a few years ago but they refused which was frustrating because I wanted to apply for a disabled railcard :-).

Anyway pretty much out of the blue my current eye consultant proactively asked me if I’d like to register for SSI.. she provided me with leaflets and said it’s confidential etc. I think I’m going to do it but is there any reason NOT to do it?

I can’t think of any. My first thought was notifying DVLA but I’m doing that anyway. I’ve always be led to believe that I was being treated for possible glaucoma in both eyes, hence not notifying DVLA, but I’ve noticed that language has changed more recently to being a diagnosis of glaucoma in both eyes.

Anyway back to the main question.. registering for SSI?

[Littletreasures]

What is SSI?

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator in reply to Littletreasures]

severely sight impaired

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

There aren't any reasons that I can think of to not get registered as SSI if you are eligible to do so. It can be helpful to apply for benefits as you say. Hopefully some others can comment further on this for you.

[Peg99]

Hello, I was registered as SSI (although it was called blind in those days) back in 2003, having been registered as partially sighted before that (since about1993).

I haven't found any drawbacks to the SSI registration. I was stopped from driving before registration so that was not an issue for me at the time of registration. I had to retire early from my career as it was the lack of vision which prevented me carrying out my job but once again, it was my vision not my registration which was the cause.

Some positives do exist. There is the railcard you already know about and in most areas a bus pass, no matter what your age is. Audio books are available from the Library for free last time I went and most banks, utility companies etc will provide bills in large print or braille.

Also, you'd qualify for the Blind Person's Allowance (as the Tax Office calls it). This is added to your tax-free Personal Allowance and increases the amount of income you can have each year before you start paying tax. The Blind Person's Allowance for the tax year 2024-25 is £3,070, regardless of your age or income.

I can't really think of any drawbacks, after all, it is a personal matter and nobody will know unless you tell them. If you are still worried, why not check out the RNIB website or give them a ring on 0303 123 9999

Best Wishes,

Peg

[Blindbatuk]

thank you!