The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering individuals of State Pension age an increase in income if they suffer from hearing impairment. Approximately 12 million adults in the UK are estimated to have a hearing loss or deafness.
Unfortunately, of these, only 35,633 benefit from additional financial support from the DWP. This support can take the form of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Allowance (ADP) or Attendance Allowance.
DWP Attendance Allowance for Hearing conditions
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free pension payable to those who have reached State Pension age. Currently, over 1.5 million people receive this benefit. There are two different rates of care allowance, depending on the level of care required:
- Lower Rate: £72.65 per week (£290.60 every four weeks) for individuals who require assistance during the day or night.
- Higher Rate: £108.55 per week (£434.20 every four weeks) for those who require assistance both during the day and at night.
Such payments are intended to cover the additional costs associated with living with a disability or illness, such as personal care, mobility aids or home adaptations.
Approximately 8,616 people of State Pension age are expected to receive Attendance Allowance each week because of a hearing disability in the 2024/25 financial year. It is estimated, however, that this represents only a minority of the number of people who are entitled.
At present, there are 15 major hearing disabilities covered by disability benefits. They include conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and other hearing disorders.
The following is a list of some of the conditions that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recognises as hearing conditions that may qualify for disability benefits. These include:
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Chronic secretory otitis media, chronic suppurative otitis media, conductive hearing loss due to trauma, mastoiditis, otitis externa (chronic), and otosclerosis.
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Deafness (congenital), labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, presbyacusis, sensorineural hearing loss due to trauma, and other causes or types not specified.
- Other Hearing Conditions: Mixed hearing loss, other diseases affecting hearing and balance.
Eligibility Requirements
You can claim Attendance Allowance on condition that you have reached State Pension age and meet the following conditions (unless you have 12 months or less to live):
- You have reached the state pension age (currently 66 for both men and women).
- You have a physical or mental disability (including sensory disabilities like hearing loss) that requires assistance with personal care or supervision, either during the day or at night.
- You have needed this assistance for at least six months (unless you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less).
Additionally, you must also :
- Be residing in Great Britain when you claim the benefit – there are some exceptions, such as members and family members of the armed forces
- Have been in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
- Be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
- Not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)
- Not get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP)or Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
All details regarding how to apply for Attendance Allowance are available on the GOV.UK website.
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