Nearly one million people in Scotland are living with hearing loss, but only a small proportion receive financial support through disability benefits. According to the Scottish Government, around 940,000 people in Scotland have some form of hearing loss, with 70 per cent (approximately 595,000) aged over 70.
Across Great Britain, an estimated 18 million adults live with a hearing impairment or deafness. However, just over 41,155 of them receive extra financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Attendance Allowance, or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).
Pension Age Disability Payment Replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland
PADP is a devolved payment that has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance in Scotland. It is administered by Social Security Scotland, not the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). More than 9,520 people over State Pension age now receive either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) per week for a hearing condition, paid every four weeks — totalling £306.80 or £458.40 per pay period.
There are 15 main hearing conditions supported through these benefits, including conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, Meniere's disease, and presbycusis. This list is not exhaustive, as the benefits cover an evolving range of conditions.
Who Should Claim?
If you or someone you know below State Pension age has a hearing condition, consider claiming PIP or ADP. For those aged 66 or over, Attendance Allowance (in England and Wales) or PADP (in Scotland) may be appropriate. Attendance Allowance currently supports nearly 1.7 million people in England and Wales, while PADP supports over 185,895 pensioners in Scotland.
These benefits help with daily living expenses and enable people to stay independent at home longer. Unlike PIP or ADP, they do not include a mobility component.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested, so savings and other income do not affect eligibility. They are tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap. Claimants can receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, paid every four weeks (£296.60 or £441.60 respectively). The money can be spent on any extra costs, such as taxis, bills, or a cleaner.
These benefits do not affect State Pension and can be claimed even while working. They may also increase other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
How to Claim
To claim Attendance Allowance from DWP, complete a long claim form. Help is available from Citizens Advice. For PADP in Scotland, apply via Social Security Scotland. If nearing State Pension age, it may be better to claim PIP or ADP first.
Those with a Scottish postcode cannot claim Attendance Allowance and must apply for PADP instead.
