An estimated 12 million adults across the UK are living with a hearing impairment or deafness. However, only 35,633 of these currently receive additional financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland only).
Currently, 8,616 people over state pension age receive £72.65 at the lower rate or £108.55 at the higher rate of Attendance Allowance each week for a hearing condition. These payments are typically made every four weeks, resulting in £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period. There are 15 primary hearing conditions that are supported through these disability benefits, but this is not an exhaustive list as the benefit supports an ever-evolving list of conditions.
If you, or someone you know, has a hearing problem under the state pension age, you should consider making a new claim for PIP. If you, or someone you know, is aged 66 or over and living with a hearing impairment, you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance.
This tax-free benefit currently supports more than 1.5 million people in the UK, the Daily Record reports. Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to help people of state pension age with their day-to-day expenses, allowing them to live independently 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 expenses.
The number of applicants for an Attendance Allowance due to hearing problems includes:
Conduction 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 disorders
These are the most common hearing problems supported by disability benefits. However, if your condition is not listed, it does not mean it is not supported; it may fall under the category of 'unknown'.
Here is a brief overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Full details of claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
What is an attendance fee?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness that is severe enough to make self-care difficult - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not have to have someone looking after you to be eligible.
Who can file a claim?
You may consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision during the day or sometimes at night, even if you are not currently receiving that help.
This may include:
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Assistance with your personal care, such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
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Help 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 included. Safety assistance is also included.
If you have difficulty with personal tasks, for example if they are time-consuming, cause pain or require physical support such as leaning on a chair, then you may consider applying.
The Attendance Allowance is not only intended for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also consider making a claim if you require assistance or supervision during the day or night due to:
How much can I receive from the Attendance Allowance?
Depending on the level of care your condition requires, you could receive £72.65 or £108.55 per week. This is paid every four weeks and equates to £290.60 and £434.20 respectively.
You can spend the money as you wish and it can help you to continue living independently at home for longer.
This may include:
Can I file a claim even if I have savings or other income?
Yes. The Attendance Allowance is not income-related, so your other income or savings do not play a role - there is no limit.
It's tax free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, so you don't lose money from other benefits.
Does the attendance allowance affect my state pension?
No, it does not affect your AOW benefit. You can even claim it if you are still working and earning money.
How does the Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you receive may be higher if you receive an Attendance Allowance. These include:
You can check your state pension age here on the UK government website.
How do I file a claim?
When you apply for an Attendance Allowance, you will need to complete a lengthy application form.
It may seem daunting at first, but you can get help from your nearest Citizens Advice office, so don't let the form put you off submitting your application.
If you prefer to do it yourself, you can see Citizens Advice's guide on how to complete your claim form here.
More information on how to obtain the application form by post or telephone can be found here on the government website.
What happens when I reach retirement age?
If you are considering applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach state pension age, it is best to apply for PIP or ADP straight away.
If you claim PIP and get it, the amount 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 is not eligible for an 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 claim Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when your 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.
