Can you Get Free Glasses on Attendance Allowance?

If you’re receiving Attendance Allowance or considering applying for it, one question that might pop into your head is: “Can I get free glasses with this benefit?” It’s a fair question — especially when you’re managing healthcare needs on a fixed income. Let’s break it down in plain English and find out what help is available when it comes to glasses.

If you’re receiving Attendance Allowance:

• Double-check your eligibility for Guarantee Pension Credit.
• Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme if you have a limited budget.
• Use your HC2 certificate at your next eye test to claim a voucher.

These extra steps can help stretch your benefits further and take the sting out of paying for glasses.

What Is Attendance Allowance and Who Is Eligible?

What exactly is Attendance Allowance?

For those over the age of State Pension who require assistance because of a physical or mental handicap, the UK government offers Attendance Allowance. It’s designed to support those who require extra care or supervision — not necessarily someone providing care, but the person needing it.

“Attendance Allowance helps with the extra costs of needing help with personal care,” says Age UK.

Who can get it?

You’re eligible if:

• You’re over the State Pension age (currently 66).
• You need personal care because of a medical condition or handicap.
• You’ve needed help for at least six months.
• You do not currently receive Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance.

How much can you get?

There are two rates:

• Lower rate: £73.90/week (for those needing frequent help or supervision).
• Higher rate: £110.40 per week (for individuals who require assistance both during the day and at night).

What other benefits can I claim with Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance can unlock access to other helpful benefits, such as:

• Pension Credit (especially Guarantee Credit)
• Council Tax Reduction
• Blue Badge for parking
• Carer’s Allowance (for someone looking after you)
• Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Free or discounted travel passes

By getting Attendance Allowance, you may qualify for a “gateway benefit” that makes other support easier to access.

Does Attendance Allowance Include Free Glasses?

Is there a direct link?

Nope. Attendance Allowance by itself doesn’t cover glasses or optician costs. It’s a cash benefit, and you’re free to use it how you see fit — but there’s no dedicated glasses funding.

But here’s the good news…

Even though Attendance Allowance doesn’t pay for glasses directly, it can lead to other benefits that do help with optical costs.

If you get Guarantee Pension Credit:

You’re automatically eligible for:

• Free NHS eye tests
• Optical vouchers for glasses or contact lenses

Or if you qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme:

You could get:

• An HC2 certificate, which gives you full help with health costs including glasses

Quick table for clarity:

Situation	Eligible for Free Glasses?
Attendance Allowance only	No
Attendance Allowance + Guarantee Credit	Yes (through NHS optical voucher)
HC2 Certificate from Low Income Scheme	Yes

What benefits do I need to be on to get free glasses?

You typically need to be on one of the following in order to be eligible for free glasses (via an NHS optical voucher):

• Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
• Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit (meeting specific earnings criteria)
• NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 certificate)

These benefits can make you eligible for free NHS eye tests and money off prescription glasses.

Free Glasses for Over 60s: What Should You Know?

Do all over 60s get free glasses?

Not quite. Here’s the deal:

• You can get free NHS eye examinations if you’re 60 years of age or older.
• But for free glasses, you must be on a qualifying benefit (like Pension Credit or have an HC2 certificate).

Are there other ways to save on glasses?

Yes! Many opticians offer:

• Senior discounts
• 2-for-1 deals
• Free basic frames with NHS voucher

Also, charities like Vision Aid Overseas or local Lions Clubs may help if you’re really stuck.

How to Get a Voucher for Glasses

Step-by-step:

1. Check if you’re on Guarantee Pension Credit

   • If not, consider applying. It can unlock lots of health cost benefits.

2. Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme

   • Apply for an HC2 certificate if you have little money saved and little income.
   • Use form HC1, available online or at GP practices, opticians, or Jobcentres.

3. Take your certificate to an optician

   • Once you have your HC2, book a free NHS sight test.
   • A coupon to be used against the price of glasses will be sent to you.

How much is the voucher worth?

Voucher values vary based on your prescription. Here’s a rough idea:

• Single vision lenses: From £42.40 to £96.80
• Bifocal lenses: Up to £130.70
• Complex lenses: Up to £233.56

“If your glasses cost more than the voucher value, you’ll pay the difference,” notes NHS.uk.

What If You’ve Already Paid for Glasses?

Don’t worry — you might still get help!

• Some opticians may allow you to delay payment if you expect to receive an HC2 certificate soon.
• You can speak to your local council or welfare rights service for advice on claiming back healthcare costs.

Can you get a refund?

Yes, if you were eligible at the time of purchase. You’ll need to:

• Fill out form HC5(O) (available online).
• Provide your receipt and your prescription.
• Submit it within 3 months of paying for your glasses.

This way, you may get some or all of the cost back — especially if you’re later approved for an HC2 certificate.

Conclusion

To wrap things up — no, Attendance Allowance doesn’t directly pay for glasses. But it absolutely opens the door to benefits that do. Whether it’s Pension Credit, NHS Low Income Scheme, or an HC2 certificate, these extras can help cover your NHS sight test and even get you a voucher toward glasses.

So if you’re over 60, receiving Attendance Allowance, or on a tight income, there’s help out there. Make the most of it! Take action by checking your eligibility, applying where needed, and asking your optician about what you qualify for. You deserve to see clearly — without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Does Attendance Allowance include free glasses?

No, not directly. However, it may result in additional helpful advantages.

Which benefit gives me free NHS glasses?

HC2 certificates from the NHS Low Income Scheme or Guarantee Pension Credit.

How do I claim a refund for glasses I already paid for?

Together with your prescription and receipt, complete the HC5(O) form and send it in.

What if I don’t qualify for Guarantee Credit?

You can still apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme and possibly get help via the HC2 certificate.

Are there other ways to get cheap or free glasses?

Yes! Some charities, like Vision Aid Overseas or local Lions Clubs, offer free or low-cost glasses. Also, look out for deals at high street opticians like Specsavers or Boots.