Older people with impaired hearing could be in line to receive up to £434 each month in extra support through Attendance Allowance.
According to the latest figures from the Scottish Government, there are approximately 850,000 people in Scotland living with some form of hearing loss, with 70% of them aged over 70, accounting for around 595,000 individuals. In Great Britain as a whole, an estimated 12 million adults are living with a hearing condition or deafness, but only 35,633 of them are currently receiving additional financial assistance through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or Attendance Allowance.
Currently, over 9,100 individuals above State Pension age are benefiting from either £72.65 for the lower rate or £108.55 for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance per week due to their hearing condition. With payments typically made every four weeks, this equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period. There are 15 main hearing conditions supported through these disability benefits, with the list continuously evolving to cover more conditions.
It is crucial for individuals or their family members below State Pension age with a hearing condition to explore options for claiming PIP or ADP, which has replaced new claims for PIP in Scotland. For those aged 66 or over living with a hearing impairment, making a claim for Attendance Allowance could be beneficial. This tax-free benefit is currently assisting over 1.6 million people in the UK, including 143,724 residing in Scotland.
Attendance Allowance aims to support people of State Pension age with daily living expenses, facilitating independence in their own homes for a longer duration. It is essential to note that unlike PIP or ADP, Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component and specifically provides assistance for the extra costs associated with daily living.
There are 860 Attendance Allowance claimants in Scotland for hearing impairments, with the total number of claimants across the UK and abroad reaching 9,169. A variety of hearing conditions are covered under these disability benefits, including conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, and chronic otitis media, among others.
Attendance Allowance amounts to £72.65 or £108.55 per week, depending on the level of care needed due to a condition, and is paid every four weeks, totaling £290.60 or £434.20 respectively. This financial aid can be used flexibly to cover expenses such as transportation, bills, or hiring help like a cleaner or gardener, contributing to enhanced independence at home.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning it is available regardless of other income or savings, with no impact on State Pension or other benefits received. Additionally, receiving Attendance Allowance might lead to an increase in other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction, without affecting the Benefit Cap limit.
Individuals interested in applying for Attendance Allowance will need to complete a detailed claim form. Assistance in completing the form is available from local Citizens Advice bureaus. Even though the application process may seem daunting initially, help is accessible to ensure the successful submission of claims.
Overall, Attendance Allowance provides vital financial support to individuals with hearing impairments, enhancing their quality of life and helping them maintain independence and well-being. By availing of this benefit, eligible individuals can receive valuable assistance in managing daily living expenses, fostering a sense of security and autonomy in their homes.