Scots who wear glasses could be eligible to receive over £600 a month through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is in place to help those who are disabled or live with a long-term health condition, the Express reports.
The payments can be used to cover costs that come as a result of living with these conditions.
The sum handed out to recipients is based on how serious their condition is, not simply because they have it.
Vision impairment and sight loss falls under this category.
It can develop, for example as a result of advancing age, be congenital, or could develop from other health conditions to do with the eyes.
The NHS website explains: “In the UK, there are almost two million people living with sight loss.
“Of these, around 360,000 are registered as blind or partially sighted.”
Individuals may need additional help when it comes to vision loss, and this is what PIP will be able to help with.
Whether it is getting out and about through driving modifications, or through a guide dog or long cane, or simply being able to complete tasks such as reading or writing, support may be necessary.
This is a matter which has been confirmed by the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB).
The charity has explained PIP can be good for those with sight loss, actively encouraging individuals to check their eligibility.
Being ill or having a disability, it explains, can often make life more expensive.
Individuals may be more familiar with Disability Living Allowance as a payment, but this is now considered to be a “legacy benefit”.
PIP is taking its place for most people, and therefore understanding whether one can make a claim will be key.
To be eligible, a person needs to be aged 16 or over, and usually have not reached state pension age.
They must also have a physical or mental health condition or disability which impacts their daily living or getting around, or indeed both, for at least three months.
Individuals must also expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months.
People can receive PIP whether they are working or not.
The payment is tax-free and does not change depending on a person’s savings or income.
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