§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce an extra cost allowance for blind or partially sighted people.
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§ Mr. ScottDisability living allowance, introduced this April, provides help with the extra costs of disability. The benefit is awarded on the basis of the level of help needed, rather than the medical condition giving rise to that need. The new lower rates in particular provide benefit that was not available previously under mobility allowance or attendance allowance. We expect people with impaired sight to be amongst the chief beneficiaries of the new rates.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to change the criteria for eligibility for disability living allowance and disability working allowance to give blind and partially sighted people access to the higher rates of the new benefits.
§ Mr. ScottBlind and partially sighted people who have care or mobility needs have equal access to disability living allowance as other disabled people, based on the level of help they need. Disability working allowance is paid according to the person's resources rather than at a set rate. We have no plans to change the eligibility criteria for either benefit.