by Across the whole of Great Britain, it is estimated that 12 million adults are living with a hearing or deaf condition. However, only 35,633 of them are currently receiving additional financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Age Disability Payment (Scotland only).
Currently, 8,616 people over State Pension age are receiving £72.65 for the lower rate or £108.55 for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance each week because of a hearing condition. These payments are usually made every four weeks, resulting in £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period. 15 main hearing conditions are supported through these disability benefits, but this is not an exhaustive list as the benefit supports an ever-changing list of conditions.
If you, or someone you know, has a hearing condition below State Pension age, you should consider making a new claim for PIP. If you, or someone you know, is 66 or over and living with a hearing impairment, you should consider claiming Attendance Allowance.
This tax-free benefit is currently supporting more than 1.5 million people across Great Britain reports the Daily Record. Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to help people of State Pension age with their daily living costs, enabling them to maintain independence in their own homes for longer.
It is important to note that, unlike the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), the Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component and only provides support for additional daily living expenses.
The number of claimants of Attendance Allowance due to hearing impairment includes:
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Scotland: 801
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England: 7,155
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Wales: 645
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Living Abroad: 13
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Total: 8,616
Conductive hearing loss
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Chronic secretory otitis media
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Chronic suppurative otitis media
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Conductive hearing loss – Other causes/type unknown
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Conductive hearing loss due to Trauma
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Mastoiditis
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Otitis externa – chronic
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Otosclerosis
Sensorineural hearing loss
Other hearing conditions
These are the common hearing issues that are supported by disability benefits. However, if your condition is not listed, it does not imply that it is not supported; it may be under the ‘unknown’ category.
Here’s a brief overview of the benefit and how to submit a new claim to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Comprehensive details of Attendance Allowance can be claimed on the GOV.UK website here.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or an illness severe enough to make it difficult to care for yourself – it does not cover mobility needs. You don’t need to have someone looking after you to make a claim.
Who can make a claim?
You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision during the day or at times during the night – even if you don’t currently receive that help.
This may include:
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Help with your personal care – for example dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
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Help to stay safe
Assistance with personal care tasks such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet is covered. Safety assistance is also included.
If you struggle with personal tasks, for example, if they take a long time, cause pain, or require physical support such as pushing into a chair, you should consider applying.
Attendance Allowance is not just for individuals with a physical disability or illness.
You should also consider making a claim if you need help or supervision during the day or night because of:
How much could I get from Attendance Allowance?
Depending on the level of care your condition requires, you could get £72.65 or £108.55 a week. This is paid every four weeks and amounts to £290.60 and £434.20 respectively.
The money can be spent as you wish and could help you maintain independence in your own home for longer.
This may include:
Can I claim even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested so no matter your income or other savings – there is no limit.
It’s tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, so you won’t miss out on any other benefits.
Will the Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
No, it will not affect your State Pension and you can claim it even if you are still working and earning money.
How does the Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
Receiving Attendance Allowance may increase your other benefits, including:
You can check your State Pension age on the GOV. UK website here.
How do I make a claim?
You will need to complete a lengthy claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance.
It can be daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens’ Council, so don’t let the form put you off applying.
If you prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here.
Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the Gov.uk website here.
What if I’m about to reach State Pension age?
If you are thinking of applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you may be better off claiming PIP or ADP straight away.
If you claim PIP and get it, how much you get will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you. Find out more about claiming PIP on the GOV.UK website here.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
If you are already receiving PIP or DLA to cover your care costs, you will not be eligible for Attendance Allowance. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while on DLA, the DWP will normally reassess your DLA award.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.
For more information about Attendance Allowance, visit the GOV. UK website here.
