CampaignsPensions & Benefits"Please support our benefits campaign for severe sight loss," says the RNIB "Please support our benefits campaign for severe sight loss," says the RNIB
29/07/2008
The RNIB is asking Mature Times' readers for support in the final stages of their campaign to extend eligibility to claim the higher rate mobility component of DLA to people with severe sight loss. The Government is in the process of making a decision about whether or not to make the changes, and keeping up the pressure at this stage is vital - because the decision could go either way.
DLA is a non means-tested, tax-free benefit, payable to disabled people under the age of 65 years, whether they are in or out of work. It has two parts, care and mobility, each paid at three different levels - lower rate, middle rate and higher rate. Under current legislation most blind and partially sighted people get the lower rate of both the care and mobility components.
But the RNIB believe that people with serious sight loss should be able to claim the higher rate mobility component - currently prevented by the eligibility criteria.
An RNIB spokesperson said: "It is absolutely vital that the Government is reminded just how strongly you and your MP feel about this issue. We have fought hard to get this far, and we need the Government to know that we will go on fighting until they make the right decision, until they put right this injustice. To do this we must all work together."
What you can do:
• Ask your MP to sign the new Early Day Motion number 1982 and write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to raise their concerns.
• Come along to the RNIB's Lobby of Parliament on 15th October.
• Write to your local newspaper.
• Tell your friends and family and encourage them to support you and the campaign.
The RNIB website has sample letters you can use on their website, both for your MP and for local papers.
Even better, go along to the Lobby of Parliament on the 15th October. Travel costs can be covered by the RNIB by prior arrangement. For more information call the DLA Campaign Hotline on 020 7391 2096 or write to:DLACampaign@rnib.org.uk.