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There are a few benefits specifically for VI’s, but many general benefits may apply.

Note that starting in April 2003 State benefits and pensions will only be paid into a bank account.

At last! - New 2002 - work allowance 'Permitted Work' 16 hrs or £60 per week for 6 months (12 with permission) to try a job without loosing existing benefits. Latest info from usual sources - see below also AFBP Factsheets.

Disability Living Allowance(DLA) is for help with personal care and mobility and is for children and adults up to the age of 65 years. Attendance Allowance(AA) is for help with personal care for those aged 65 years upwards.

Neither of these benefits are affected by any savings you may have or usually by any other money you have coming in.

There are other benefits you OR any person who may be regarded as your Carer may qualify for. For independent Carer advice try Carers UK 0808 808 7777

Application packs for most benefits can be obtained from the Benefits Agency. Some info on tape. Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 88 22 00 or your Local D.S.S. Beneits AgencyOffice

Advice about benefits and help with filling in forms can be obtained from various sources, try 0800 038 11 11 including the Benefits Agency of Social Security, Citizens Advice Bureau's (CAB), some Social Services Depts and in some cases voluntary societies. Some good sources of help are listed below, contact:

Gateshead VIP Benefits Advice Scheme is available from NSS 0191 478 5957

Benefits Agency Customer Services 0191 226 6047 and their Disability Advisory Service 0191 276 2400

New grants available for home energy saving & security - you may be eligible - contact Citizens Advice or EGA on 0800 952 0600

Action for Blind People will provide Factsheets on all the current Benefits Tel: (0207) 635 4800

Direct Payments from Benefits Agency can be arranged if you have been assessed to be in need of assistance and you wish to make your own arrangements. For further guidance contact Disability North Tel: 0191 284 0480 E-mail: directpayments@disabilitynorth.org.uk

RNIB Welfare Rights Service 0345 669999

Action for Blind People 0207 7328771

Welfare Right for the VI: 020 7635 4800

North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau (Paul Kerr) 0191 2008784

Northumberland County Blind Association 01434 600860

New Benefit available to anybody entitled to DLA or Attendance Allowance up to £2,500: The Warmfront Scheme operated by Eager for home owners or home renters to provide any central heating and or wall or loft lagging and others, Tel Foundation Support Scheme at AFBP: 0207 635 400

Keep up todate with changes in Benefits, Pensions, Tax and Government services with quarterly audio tape 'Open Eye' Tel: 020 7261 8938 or on line at www.open-i.gov.uk

Some Other Money Concessions only apply to those registered blind:

Blind Persons’ Personal Income Tax Allowance

Free TV licence for all over 75 years and half price for Registered Blind. The TV licensing Authority has set up TV Concession Helplines: For the Blind 08705 763 763 or: 0845 6023334, Refunds: 0845 6013359. Registered blind can now set up a direct debit payment at various intervals Tel: 0545 603 6999.