Benefits for Registered Blind or Partially Sighted People.

Financial Benefits

Registration may entitle people to certain benefits. It is therefore important to inform your local Benefits Agency of your registration. Advice and assistance in accessing benefits may be obtained from Lancashire Welfare Rights Service, Citizens Advice Bureaux or Voluntary Associations (see useful contacts page) for contact details.

Concessionary Bus Travel

If you are under pensionable age and are registered (or eligible for registration) as a blind or partially sighted person then you may apply for a half rate fare bus pass under the Lancashire Joint Concessionary Travel Scheme. Apply for this at your local Social Services office by contacting the Customer Care Officer. If you are over pension able age, you can apply for a Senior Citizens Bus Pass from your local Council if you do not already hold one.

Disabled Persons Rail Card

This grants reductions of 30-50% off rail travel. The card costs £18, and application forms are available from your local train station. They will require proof of registration.

RNIB Talking Book Service

You should apply through the local Social Services Office (contact the Customer Care Officer) or direct to the RNIB. There is an annual rental, which may be met by the local Social Services Office.

Additional Benefits for People Registered Blind

Financial Benefits

An increased Income Tax Allowance is available to a registered blind person or their spouse. Inform your local Inland Revenue Office.

Disabled Persons' Parking Badge

This enables use of disabled persons' parking facilities throughout the country and may be used whenever you are a passenger in any car. To apply for a parking badge contact the Customer Care Officer at your local Social Services office.

Television Licence Fee

There is a 50% reduction in the licence fee. Take proof of registration to your local Post office. People aged 75 and over are already entitled to a free licence.

Radio or Radio/Cassette

These are provided free on permanent loan from British Wireless for the Blind Society, contact Galloway's Society for the Blind for further details.

Local Libraries

Libraries hold a selection of large print books and books on cassette. Proof of registration as blind or partially sighted allows you to reserve and borrow items at no charge.

Telephones

A wide range of services are available, including large print and tape bills, contact British Telecom on 150. Free Directory Enquiries Service dial 195, Mercury users - dial 0800 424 194.

Gas and Electricity

You should contact your local gas or electricity offices to establish your password in order to identify meter readers. Also ask for bills & correspondence in large print or on tape.

Banking

You can ask your bank to send your statements and correspondence in large print or on tape. Also cheque book guides are available from most institutions to help you writing and signing cheques.

Sight Test

There are free NHS sight tests, proof of registration required.

Postal Vote

You would need to contact your local Council, prior to an election, to take advantage of this.

Employment

If you are in employment or seeking work, help and advice is available from the Disability Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre.