Industry News | Sep 28, 2026 | No Comments |
RNIB warns on cost-of-living crisis
Cost of living crisis hitting blind and partially sighted people hard, RNIB warns
Only 13 per cent of blind and partially sighted people receiving disability benefits say those benefits fully cover the extra costs of sight loss, according to new research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
The charity’s report, The Cost of Living and Sight Loss: Financial Pressures, Independence and Wellbeing in 2026, finds that rising living costs are affecting far more than household budgets. People told RNIB they are cutting back on heating, lighting and travel, and that this is leaving them more anxious, more isolated and less able to live independently.
At a glance: key findings
• Only 13 per cent of those on disability benefits said their benefits completely covered the additional costs of sight loss.
• 53 per cent said rising energy costs had affected their wellbeing.
• 44 per cent said their finances had got worse over the previous three months, and the same proportion expect things to get worse over the next six months.
• 62 per cent named taxis and other transport as an extra cost linked to their sight loss, making it the most commonly reported one.
• Working-age people were more than twice as likely as those aged 65 and over to find it quite or very difficult to manage financially (29 per cent compared with 12 per cent).
The extra costs of sight loss
Blind and partially sighted people face additional costs that are often unavoidable, including transport, assistive technology, specialist equipment, practical support and higher energy use. Research from Loughborough University has estimated these extra costs at between £282.53 and £755.73 a month, and found they rose by 30 per cent between 2016 and 2024.
Transport stands out. Where taxis or other accessible transport are essential rather than optional, rising fares can restrict access to work, healthcare, social activities and relationships. One participant described how the combination of sight loss, arthritis, balance problems and hearing loss makes public transport impossible, and how taxis are now affordable only for medical appointments:
“I used to enjoy meeting friends but now can’t go out and rarely speak to or see anyone anymore.”
Energy costs are having a similar effect. Participants told RNIB they now sit in the dark more or switch lights off sooner than they need to, even though good lighting helps them find things and move around their home safely. Another participant said:
“I’ve been really cold. Local Council told me to go to warm public places but I can’t afford to get there and I don’t have confidence to go somewhere I don’t know on my own as I can’t find my way around.”
What RNIB is calling for
RNIB is urging the UK Government to make sure disability benefits better reflect the real costs of sight loss. With the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) now testing its emerging recommendations in workshops, the charity says any changes to PIP must take account of those extra costs.
It also wants the Milburn Review, which is preparing recommendations on youth unemployment, to tackle the barriers that stop young blind and partially sighted people from finding work, staying in it and progressing. Specifically, RNIB is calling for:
• A greater focus on workplace attitudes, and educating employers so that recruitment, workplace environments and career development are inclusive.
• Improvements to the Access to Work scheme, including fewer delays with applications and renewals, faster claims for ongoing support costs, and better accessibility throughout the scheme.
Mike Wordingham, Head of Policy, RNIB, said:
“Blind and partially sighted people are facing mounting financial pressure from rising living costs alongside the extra, unavoidable costs that come with sight loss such as transport, assistive technology, specialist equipment and practical support. Our research shows that these pressures are forcing many people to make impossible choices between heating their homes, travelling independently, accessing support and meeting other essential needs.
“The impact goes far beyond finances. People are telling us that rising costs are leaving them more anxious, isolated and less able to live independently. Disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), play a crucial role in helping people manage the additional costs of sight loss, but for many they simply are not going far enough.
“With inflation on the rise, energy prices set to increase again, and the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget approaching, the UK Government must act to better support blind and partially sighted people. That includes ensuring disability benefits reflect the extra costs that come with sight loss.”
About the research
A total of 362 blind and partially sighted people took part. 356 completed a survey online or by telephone, and six took part in one-to-one interviews, with participants from all four UK nations. The fieldwork took place in July and August 2026.
Where to get help
RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service offers personalised support and bespoke financial guidance for blind and partially sighted people, along with practical solutions to ease financial pressures. Call 0303 123 9999, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. RNIB is also offering energy-specific support through the British Gas Energy Trust.
More advice is available on RNIB’s cost of living pages (external link will open in a new browser tab or window).
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Further reading and resources
Worth Every Step – Active Travel Plan
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