Life can sometimes feel a little tougher as we get older. Simple things that once came easily can start to take more effort whether it’s keeping up with conversations, watching your favourite shows, or feeling confident and independent at home. Many older people across the UK experience these everyday challenges, often without realising that there’s genuine help available to make things easier.
Over time, the little struggles can add up. You might notice yourself relying more on others, feeling left out of social moments, or just wishing daily life didn’t take quite so much energy. But here’s the uplifting part support does exist, and it’s designed especially for people in your situation.
The government provides a benefit that helps pensioners manage the extra costs and effort that come with health conditions affecting daily living. It’s known as Attendance Allowance, and it’s there to make life more comfortable and independent for people over State Pension age who need some extra help day to day.
This payment isn’t a handout it’s recognition. It’s a way of saying, you’ve worked hard, you’ve contributed, and now you deserve the support that helps you live well. It’s about making life easier, bringing back comfort, and ensuring you get the help you truly deserve.
Understanding Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It’s meant for people who’ve reached State Pension age (currently 66) and who have an illness or disability that means they need help looking after themselves.
That could mean help with daily routines, or simply needing someone to keep an eye on you for safety reasons. You don’t have to have a full-time carer to qualify. In fact, many people who receive Attendance Allowance live independently they just need a bit of extra support or have extra costs because of their condition.
Hearing loss is one of the most common reasons older people struggle with daily life, but it’s often overlooked. If you’ve been finding things more difficult lately because of your hearing like needing subtitles for everything, struggling to follow group conversations, or missing important sounds like doorbells, alarms, or traffic then Attendance Allowance could be for you.
And here’s something important to remember: it doesn’t matter how much you earn, or how much you have in savings. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested. Whether you’ve got £10 or £10,000 in the bank, your eligibility is based only on how your health affects your everyday life.
How Much Can You Get?
Attendance Allowance comes in two payment levels:
- Lower rate: £73.90 per week
For people who need help either during the day or during the night. - Higher rate: £110.40 per week
For people who need help both during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill.
Payments are made every four weeks so that’s either £296.60 or £441.60 each pay period, depending on your circumstances.
That may not sound like a fortune, but over a year it adds up to more than £5,700 at the higher rate. For many pensioners, that’s the difference between struggling to cope and being able to live with a bit more comfort and peace of mind.
This money can help with anything from transport costs, safety equipment, or hearing support devices, to general daily living expenses. You don’t need to tell the DWP how you spend it. It’s your money to use in the way that best helps you live independently and with dignity.
How Hearing Loss Can Affect Everyday Life
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Well, my hearing isn’t that bad,” it’s still worth pausing to consider how it actually impacts you day to day.
Hearing loss doesn’t always happen suddenly. For most people, it’s gradual. You might not notice how much you’ve adapted turning the TV up louder, avoiding noisy social places, or depending on others to help translate conversations.
But these small adjustments can still affect your confidence and independence.
Some people with hearing loss find it harder to keep up with family conversations or misunderstand instructions. Others worry about safety like not hearing smoke alarms or someone knocking on the door. Even something simple like answering a phone call can become stressful.
These are exactly the kinds of situations Attendance Allowance is designed to help with. The DWP understands that hearing loss changes how people live, and that it can require extra support whether that’s financial help, special devices, or simply the reassurance that someone can check on you when needed.
Common Hearing Conditions That Qualify
Attendance Allowance isn’t based on a specific diagnosis but on how your condition affects you. Still, there are several hearing conditions commonly supported through this benefit, including:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve)
- Conductive hearing loss (problems transmitting sound through the ear)
- Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)
- Meniere’s disease (hearing loss and balance issues)
- Otosclerosis (bone growth in the middle ear)
- Chronic otitis media (persistent ear infections)
- Otitis externa (chronic inflammation of the outer ear)
- Labyrinthitis (inner ear infection causing dizziness and hearing issues)
- Deafness from birth or due to trauma
- Mixed hearing loss
- Other diseases affecting balance and hearing
You don’t need a medical label to qualify. What matters most is how much your condition affects your daily life things like needing help to communicate, to stay safe, or to manage on your own.
Why So Many People Miss Out
It’s estimated that more than 12 million adults in the UK live with hearing loss or deafness. But shockingly, only around 9,900 people over State Pension age are currently claiming Attendance Allowance for it.
That means thousands possibly millions of pensioners could be missing out on money they’re entitled to.
There are a few reasons this happens.
Some people think hearing problems are just a normal part of getting older, and they don’t realise help is available. Others feel embarrassed to ask for support or think the form will be too complicated. And some simply don’t know Attendance Allowance exists.
But this benefit was created for you. It’s there so you can live your later years with the comfort, independence, and dignity you deserve. You’ve contributed all your life; now it’s time to let that system support you.
Real-Life Example: Finding Independence Again
Take the story of James, a 79-year-old from Birmingham. He began losing his hearing in his early 70s, and over the years, conversations became harder. He stopped going to his local coffee mornings because he couldn’t keep up. When his smoke alarm once went off and he didn’t hear it, his daughter insisted he apply for Attendance Allowance.
James was reluctant at first, saying he didn’t want to “bother anyone” or that “others needed it more.” But with help from his local Age UK advisor, he filled out the form and was approved for the lower rate.
He now uses the money to pay for a vibrating alarm clock, an amplified telephone, and occasional taxis to his GP when public transport feels overwhelming. “It’s not just about the money,” he said. “It’s the confidence that I can manage better again.”
That’s exactly what Attendance Allowance is about giving back a sense of control and comfort.
How to Apply
You can apply for Attendance Allowance in two main ways:
- By phone – Call the Attendance Allowance helpline and ask for a claim form:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK (if you use a BSL interpreter or textphone service): Dial 18001 followed by the helpline number.
- By post or online download – You can also download the form directly from the official Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
Once you have the form, take your time filling it in. It’s quite detailed, but every section helps DWP understand how your hearing condition affects your daily life. If you’re not sure what to write, local charities like Age UK, RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), and Citizens Advice can help you fill it out for free.
How to Describe Your Hearing Problems on the Form
When describing your situation, it’s best to focus on real examples. Don’t just say “I’m hard of hearing.” Explain what that means day-to-day. For example:
- “I can’t hear the doorbell or phone ringing.”
- “I need people to face me so I can lip-read.”
- “I often misunderstand what people say, especially in groups.”
- “I can’t hear alarms, so I worry about safety when I’m alone.”
- “I feel isolated because I struggle to follow conversations.”
These small details help DWP understand how much help or supervision you need, and what kind of challenges you face because of your hearing loss.
What Happens After You Apply
After you’ve submitted your application, DWP may contact you if they need more information or medical evidence. In most cases, they’ll make a decision based on the form and your medical details — you usually don’t need to attend a medical assessment.
If your claim is approved, you’ll receive a letter confirming the amount you’ll get and when payments will start. Payments go straight into your bank account, typically every four weeks.
If your claim is unsuccessful, don’t give up. Many people are turned down the first time because they didn’t include enough detail. You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration and provide more information about how your hearing affects you. Charities can help you appeal or reapply with stronger evidence.
Other Support You Could Get
Getting Attendance Allowance can also open the door to other forms of help. Once you’re receiving it, you may automatically qualify for or increase your entitlement to:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Help with NHS costs
- Free TV Licence (if you’re over 75 and on Pension Credit)
That means claiming Attendance Allowance could lead to hundreds or even thousands of pounds more support every year.
What You Can Spend It On
There’s no restriction on how you use the money. Some people use it for specialist hearing equipment, while others put it towards transport, household help, or energy costs. It’s entirely your choice.
You could use it to:
- Buy a better hearing aid or batteries.
- Pay someone to check in on you or help with errands.
- Install safety alarms or flashing doorbells.
- Cover taxis if you struggle to hear announcements on buses or trains.
- Simply make life more comfortable whether that means a new phone, a trip out, or an extra bit of warmth in winter.
It’s your benefit designed to make life easier in the way you need it most.
How Many People Are Claiming
The latest figures from the DWP (as of February 2025) show that 9,929 pensioners across the UK are receiving Attendance Allowance for hearing conditions. That includes:
- 8,250 in England
- 920 in Scotland
- 738 in Wales
- 27 living abroad
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance has now been replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which works in a similar way and is managed by Social Security Scotland instead of the DWP.
If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you still apply for Attendance Allowance in the usual way.
What If You Already Receive Other Benefits?
If you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), you can’t also receive Attendance Allowance at the same time. However, if you were getting PIP before reaching pension age, you’ll continue receiving it.
Attendance Allowance is mainly for those who didn’t already receive disability benefits before turning 66.
Tips for a Successful Claim
Here are some simple but useful tips to make your claim stronger:
- Be honest but detailed. Don’t downplay your struggles.
- Describe your worst days, not your best.
- Include any safety risks (like not hearing alarms or door knocks).
- Ask someone you trust to read your answers — sometimes they notice things you forget.
- Attach any medical letters, audiology reports, or hearing test results if you have them.
Even if your hearing aids help, explain how they don’t fix everything. The DWP looks at how your life is affected overall, not just what devices you use.
Why You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty for Applying
It’s common for pensioners to feel unsure or even guilty about claiming benefits. You might think, “I can manage,” or “others need it more than me.” But Attendance Allowance isn’t a handout it’s support you’ve earned.
You’ve paid taxes all your life, and this system exists precisely so that when health challenges appear later on, you have help to live comfortably. Applying doesn’t take help away from others it ensures you receive the assistance you’re entitled to.
Every week, thousands of older people apply for Attendance Allowance and find relief from financial stress, improved independence, and renewed confidence in their daily routines. You can too.
Finding Hope and Independence Again
Hearing loss can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to take away your independence. Attendance Allowance exists so you can stay connected — to family, friends, and your community — without worrying so much about the practical and financial burdens.
Imagine being able to afford a new hearing device that helps you enjoy TV again. Or being able to travel more confidently, knowing you can call for help or communicate more easily. Or simply knowing that your home is safer with the right alarms and support in place.
That’s what this benefit is designed for to make life easier, safer, and a bit more hopeful.
So if you’ve been struggling quietly, or if you know someone who has, it’s time to take action. Don’t let pride or uncertainty hold you back. Help is there. You just have to reach for it.
Helpful Resources:
- Official Attendance Allowance page: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
- RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People): https://rnid.org.uk
- Age UK Advice Line: https://www.ageuk.org.uk
- Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- Social Security Scotland (for Scottish pensioners): https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-disability-payment