Over 9,500 people above State Pension age are currently receiving Attendance Allowance due to a hearing condition
Across Great Britain, it’s estimated that 12 million adults are living with hearing impairment or deafness. However, fewer than 50,000 of them are receiving additional financial aid through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).
Over 9,500 people above State Pension age are currently receiving either £73.90 for the lower rate, or £110.40 for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance each week due to a hearing condition. Payments are typically made every four weeks, equating to either £296.60 or £441.60 per pay period.
These disability benefits support 15 main hearing conditions, but this isn’t an exhaustive list as the benefit caters to an ever-changing array of conditions, reports the Daily Record.
If you, or someone you know, under State Pension age (66) has a hearing condition, consider making a new claim for PIP – find out more here.
If you or someone you know is 66 or over and living with a hearing impairment, it’s worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance. Currently, nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain, including 150,000 in Scotland, are being supported by Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance is designed to assist those of State Pension age with daily living costs, potentially enabling them to maintain their independence at home for longer. It’s crucial to note that unlike PIP, Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component; these benefits solely provide support for additional daily living expenses.
As of August 2024, the number of Attendance Allowance claimants for hearing impairments is as follows:
Hearing conditions
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.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is designed to assist with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness that makes self-care challenging – it does not cater for mobility needs. It’s not necessary to have a carer in order to apply.
Who is eligible to apply?
You should contemplate applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving 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 isn’t solely 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 receive on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on the level of care your condition necessitates, which is paid every four weeks and equates to £296.60 and £441.60 respectively. The funds can be utilised in any way you see fit, potentially aiding in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period.
This might include:
- paying for taxis
- helping towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
Is it possible to claim even with savings and other income?
Indeed. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your other income sources or the amount of savings you possess are irrelevant – there’s no upper limit. It’s tax-free and you’ll be exempt from the Benefit Cap, ensuring no deductions from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?
No, it won’t influence your State Pension and you can still claim it even if you’re employed and earning.
How do 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 submit a claim?
To apply for Attendance Allowance from DWP, you’ll need to fill out an extensive claim form. It may seem intimidating initially, but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from 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 nearing State Pension age?
If you’re contemplating applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim PIP immediately.
Who is ineligible to claim Attendance Allowance?
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode, you need to claim PADP from Social Security Scotland – full details here.
You also 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.