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<p>The Government recognises that the rising cost of living has presented additional
financial challenges to many people, and especially to the most vulnerable members
of society, such as blind or partially sighted people. That is why the Government
is taking decisive action to get households through this winter, while ensuring we
act in a fiscally responsible way.</p><p> </p><p>People who are blind or partially
sighted and in receipt of extra-costs disability benefits such as Personal Independence
Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will receive a one-off Disability
Cost of Living Payment of £150 from 20th September, to help with the rising cost of
living. The DWP has already processed around 6 million such payments. This payment
can be received in addition to the other £650 Cost of Living Payment for households
on means-tested benefits that was announced as part of the same package. Individuals
who have limited or no ability to work because of their disability or health condition,
and are in receipt of means-tested benefits such as income-related Employment and
Support Allowance or the Universal Credit Health top up, are eligible for this support.</p><p>
</p><p>People who are blind or partially sighted will also benefit from other forms
of non-means-tested support which the Government is providing to assist with household
energy bills. We have taken decisive action to support millions of households with
rising energy costs this winter through the Energy Price Guarantee, which limits
the price suppliers can charge customers for units of gas and electricity. In addition
to the Energy Price Guarantee, millions of the most vulnerable households will receive
further support this year through the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme. The £150 Council
Tax rebate will also mean that all households in Council Tax bands A-D will receive
a rebate, and 99% of eligible households have already received this. Lastly, to support
households who need further help or who are not eligible for elements of the wider
package of support, the Government is also providing an extra £500 million of local
support to help with the cost of essentials until the end of March 2023, via the Household
Support Fund.</p><p> </p><p>This cost of living support is in addition to the existing
specific financial support to help blind or partially sighted people. The Government
provides the Blind Person's Allowance (BPA), an extra amount of tax-free allowance
that can be added to an individual’s Personal Allowance, to those who are blind or
severely sight impaired. In 2022-23, the allowance is £2,600 and therefore worth £520
given the basic rate of 20%. If the recipient does not pay tax or earn enough to use
their full BPA, the remainder of the allowance can be transferred to a spouse or civil
partner.</p><p> </p><p>We are continuing to keep the situation under review and are
focusing support on the most vulnerable whilst ensuring we act in a fiscally responsible
way.</p>
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