16 plus and still in education (school or college)

There are many benefits which you may be able to claim as a visually impaired young person.

If you need help from other people because of your sight problems, you may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) . Your parents may have been claiming this for you while you were a child, but once you are 16, you can have it paid directly to you instead.

If your course is part-time (less than 21 hours a week), or if it is full-time but you get DLA, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

You can also claim Education Maintenance Allowance, which is available to all students who stay on in education when compulsory schooling ends at 16. The amount you recieve will depend on the income of your parents or guardian. For more information see our Young people and students in full-time or part-time education fact sheet, or visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning or telephone the Education Maintenance Allowance helpline on 0800 121 8989.

It is possible to be entitled to all three of these things at the same time.

The Benefits Adviser on the Directgov website can also help you find out which benefits and tax credits you may be entitled to.

Speak to someone

If you are having any problems our highly experienced regional teams of independent living coordinators and welfare rights officers can advise you on all issues relating to social security benefits and other entitlements, together with advice, tips and hints about filling in forms and disputing decisions. We also have information about local services that may be able to complete forms on your behalf and go with you to appeals.

If you need advice and would like to speak with someone then please contact your local Action team and they will put you in touch with someone who can help. You can also contact us through the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 and ask to be referred to your local Action team.