The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the specific hearing-related conditions that can help people claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with awards reaching up to £748 a month.
PIP overview and rates
PIP supports those whose daily living or mobility is significantly affected by long-term health conditions or disabilities. It is not means-tested and can be claimed whether or not someone is in work. The benefit has two components: daily living and mobility.
The standard daily living rate is £76.55 a week and the enhanced rate is £114.80. Mobility rates are £30.20 (standard) and £80.10 (enhanced). Someone awarded the enhanced daily living rate plus the enhanced mobility rate receives £194.90 a week, or roughly £748 a month after the April 2026 uprating.
List of qualifying conditions
Officials stress that eligibility depends on how a condition affects everyday activities rather than the diagnosis alone. However, the DWP records a clear set of ear and hearing conditions linked to successful claims. These are:
- Chronic secretory otitis media
- Chronic suppurative otitis media
- Conductive hearing loss (other causes / type not known)
- Conductive hearing loss due to trauma
- Mastoiditis
- Chronic otitis externa
- Otosclerosis
- Congenital deafness
- Labyrinthitis
- Ménière’s disease
- Presbyacusis
- Sensorineural hearing loss (other causes / type not known)
- Sensorineural hearing loss due to trauma
- Mixed hearing loss
- Disease affecting hearing and balance (other / type not known)
These 15 conditions appear in the latest DWP caseload data. Congenital deafness, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss account for the largest numbers of claimants.
Claiming and evidence
Anyone who struggles with communication, concentration, planning journeys or managing medication because of hearing loss is encouraged to consider a claim, even if their exact diagnosis is not on the list. The assessment focuses on functional impact. Supporting evidence from audiologists, ENT specialists or GP records strengthens applications.
Claims can be started by telephone or online via GOV.UK. A health professional will usually assess the claim, either face-to-face, by phone or on paper. Decisions can be challenged through mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal.
With more than 100,000 people already receiving PIP for eye or ear conditions, the figures show that substantial help is available for those whose hearing difficulties create extra costs or limit independence. Checking the full eligibility guidance on GOV.UK remains the most reliable next step for anyone who thinks they may qualify.
