If you or an older family member suffers from hearing issues, it’s important to be aware of the financial support available through Attendance Allowance, which can help ease the extra costs associated with daily living for those over State Pension age.
Many individuals over State Pension age may not realize they are eligible for this benefit, which provides essential support for those who need assistance due to health conditions.
According to information reported by the Daily Record, over 9,300 individuals are already receiving Attendance Allowance for hearing impairments. Yet, many more could potentially qualify, and it’s crucial to understand the application process and eligibility requirements to avoid missing out.
The Issue of Hearing Loss Among Older Adults
Recent data from the Scottish Government reveals that about 850,000 people in Scotland live with some form of hearing loss. Among these, 70% are aged over 70 years, which equates to around 595,000 people.
Across Great Britain, it is estimated that 12 million adults live with a hearing condition or deafness. However, only 35,633 individuals are currently receiving financial support through benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Attendance Allowance, or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).
As of April 22, PADP has replaced Attendance Allowance for all new claims in Scotland. Administered by Social Security Scotland, this new benefit program provides vital support for people who have hearing conditions. This program is separate from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How Much Could You Be Entitled to?
If you or a loved one is over the State Pension age, you could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on the severity of the condition, which translates to £296.60 or £441.60 every four weeks. These payments are specifically for hearing conditions, which can be crucial for maintaining independence.
If you are aged 66 or over and suffer from a hearing impairment, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance or PADP (for those in Scotland). This benefit helps cover the extra costs of daily living, such as personal care and safety, ensuring you can live independently at home for longer.
What Conditions Are Covered?
The benefit supports 15 main hearing conditions. These include :
- 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
- Meniere’s disease
- Presbyacusis (age-related hearing loss)
- Sensorineural hearing loss – Other causes / type not known
- Sensorineural hearing loss due to Trauma
- Mixed hearing loss
- Other diseases affecting hearing and balance
Number of Attendance Allowance Claimants for Hearing Impairments
As of August 2024, the total number of people receiving Attendance Allowance for hearing impairments includes :
- Scotland: 890
- England: 7,948
- Wales: 690
- Living Abroad: 26
- Total: 9,575
How Does Attendance Allowance Work?
Attendance Allowance helps with the additional costs if you have a severe disability or illness that makes it difficult to care for yourself. Unlike PIP or ADP, it does not cover mobility needs, but it does assist with the costs of daily living.
It is important to note that Attendance Allowance is not means-tested—meaning that your savings or income will not affect your eligibility. It is also tax-free and does not reduce other benefits you might receive.
Receiving Attendance Allowance could increase other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction. It does not affect your State Pension, and you can still claim it even if you are working.
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you will need to complete a long claim form. If needed, assistance is available through Citizens Advice or directly from the Gov.uk website. It is also worth noting that those in Scotland will need to apply for PADP instead.
