The latest figures from the Scottish Government show there are estimated to be around 850,000 people with hearing loss in Scotland and of those, 70 per cent are over 70. It is projected that figures could double over the next 20 years, with a delay of up to 10 years before people address their hearing loss.
Across Great Britain, there are 12 million adults living with a hearing condition or deafness, yet surprisingly, just 34,962 of them are receiving extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and 7,995 who have reached State Pension age through Attendance Allowance.
There are 15 main hearing conditions which are being supported through these three disability benefits, but there are also children under-16 receiving support through Disability Living Allowance for Children and Child Disability Payment. Some older people may also be receiving support through Disability Living Allowance.
If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age has a hearing condition, you should consider making a new claim for PIP or ADP (which has now replaced new claims for PIP in Scotland) - find out more here.
If you, or someone you know, is over State Pension age and living with a hearing impairment, you should consider making a claim for Attendance Allowance. This is a tax-free benefit currently supporting more than 1.4 million people across Great Britain, including 127,399 living in Scotland. It is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
Older people claiming Attendance Allowance for hearing disorders
The latest DWP figures show at the end of November 2022 there were 7,995 people receiving either £68.10 or £101.75 each week for a hearing condition.
This overall figure includes:
- Scotland: 721
- England: 6,673
- Wales: 584
- Living Abroad: 14
- Total: 7,995
Hearing conditions
These are common hearing issues being supported through disability benefits, but if your condition is not listed, it doesn’t mean it’s not supported.
Conductive hearing loss
- Chronic secretory otitis media
- Chronic suppurative otitis media
- Conductive hearing loss - Other causes / type not known
- Conductive hearing loss due to Trauma
- Mastoiditis
- Otitis externa - chronic
- Otosclerosis
Sensorineural hearing loss
- Deafness - congenital
- Labyrinthitis
- Menieres disease
- Presbyacusis
- Sensorineural hearing loss - Other causes / type not known
- Sensorineural hearing loss due to Trauma
Other hearing conditions
- Mixed hearing loss
- Other diseases affecting hearing and balance
Below is an overview of the benefit and how to make a new claim to DWP. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
New claimants of Attendance Allowance could also qualify for the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment due to be made this summer by the UK Government to help households with the increased cost of living. No qualifying period has been announced yet, so the sooner a new claim is submitted the greater the likelihood that it will meet the eligibility requirements.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to 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 throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you do not currently get that help.
This might include:
Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
Help to stay safe
You should also consider applying if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on.
Attendance Allowance is not just for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also consider claiming if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
a mental health condition
learning difficulties
a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could get either £68.10 or £101.75 a week depending on the level of care you need because of your condition, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £272.40 and £407.00 respectively.
You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
This might include:
paying for taxis
helping towards bills
paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit.
It’s tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
Extra Pension Credit
Housing Benefit Reduction
Council Tax Reduction
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 long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance.
It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying.
If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in 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 happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you're thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP 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 cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or DLA to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
To keep up to date with the latest State Pension news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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