Benefits & concessions

What benefits may I be able to claim?

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

A compensation scheme for those who are deaf or have hearing loss as a direct result of serving in the UK armed forces.

AFCS is a government scheme that compensates for any illness, injury or death that was caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. It’s separate from any other personal accident cover.

You have 7 years after the incident that caused your hearing loss to make a claim.

You can find more information on the Armed Forced Compensation Scheme here.

Attendance Allowance

Designed to help people over state pension age who have a disability or health condition that requires help to care for themselves or supervision. It is a non-means-tested benefit, so savings or income won't affect a claim.

If you are deaf or have hearing loss, you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if you need help to communicate with other people.

Attendance allowance is paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition. If you claim Attendance Allowance you may also be entitled to other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction.

You can find more information on Attendance Allowance here.

Carers Allowance (CA)

A benefit to support people who look after someone with a disability or long-term illness. CA recognises the vital role that carers play and provides financial assistance to help with the costs that can arise from caring responsibilities.

If you receive a qualifying disability benefit, and someone spends at least 35 hours a week caring for you, they may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.

They can find more information on Carers Allowance here.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Is a tax-free benefit for the disabled to help with the cost of mobility and care. If you have a hearing impairment, you might get the care component of DLA if you:

need help communicating your needs
need supervision to avoid putting yourself in danger

Please Note - DLA is gradually being replaced with Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you are already receiving DLA, you’ll continue to get it for as long as you’re eligible. Those aged under 16 can still make a claim for DLA.

You can find more information on Disability Living Allowance here.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

A benefit for those who are deaf or have hearing loss and in higher education. DSA is to support with the extra disability-related costs of studying such as assistive devices or communication support.

You can find more information on Disabled Student’ Allowance here.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

A benefit for those who have hearing loss because they were exposed to noise at work over a period of time, or because they had an accident at work.

The amount of benefit you might get will depend on the extent of your disablement which will be assessed by a medical advisor.

You can find more information on Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit here.

Pension Credit

A means-tested benefit aimed at people over state pension age who are on a low income. Pension Credit gives extra money to help with essential living costs such as food, bills and housing.

Pension credit is made up of two parts: guarantee credit and savings credit. You may be eligible for one or both. If you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, you could receive a one-off payment in the winter to reduce your electricity bill.

You can find more information on Pension Credit here.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

A tax-free benefit for people aged between 16 and state pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks, communicating or getting around.

PIP is designed to help with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or disability. The rate received depends on how your condition affects you.

You can find more information on Personal Independence Payment here.

Universal Credit

A payment to help with living costs for those on a low income, out of work or who cannot work. You must be aged between 18 and the State Pension age and have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments in order to be eligible.

You can find more information on Universal Credit here.

Concessions

There are several concessions available to people with hearing loss, which can help with extra costs related to your disability. Most will not automatically be awarded, you will need to apply.

Disabled and companion bus pass

If you live in Northumberland and severely or profoundly deaf, you can apply for a free bus pass.

You will need to provide proof of identity, your address and a passport sized colour photograph. Evidence of eligibility is needed. You must provide an audiogram or letter from a medical professional indicating hearing loss has reached 70 – 95+ dBHL in both ears. The hearing loss will be calculated from the better ear and taken as an average across the normal hearing spectrum.

If you are unable to travel alone, you may be eligible for a companion pass, this can be a carer, relative or friend. See Northumberland County Council’s website for full criteria.

If you received a pass, you could travel within Northumberland for free all day, any day.

You can also travel outside Northumberland for free on any off-peak local bus in England and cross-board bus routes between Northumberland and Scotland as long as the journey begins and ends in England.

To find out more contact Northumberland County Council on 0345 600 6400 or email concessionarytravel@northumberland.gov.uk.

Apply online: Apply or renew disabled and companion bus passes | Northumberland County Council

Disabled Person’s Railcard

If you have a hearing impairment, you’re eligible for a Disabled Person’s Railcard. This enables you and the person that you’re travelling with to get a third off ticket prices.

You will have to provide proof of your eligibility:

Social Services official stamp, or
A copy of the front page of your NHS battery book, or
A copy of your dispensing prescription from a private hearing aid supplier

The railcard costs £20 per year.

For more information visit the Disabled Persons Railcard website or call 0345 605 0525.

Apply online: Disabled Person’s Railcard