How to apply for benefits
If you are deaf or have hearing loss, you may be able to get certain benefits to help you cover the cost of daily life.
To check what you may be able to claim, use the Benefits Calculator on the Turn 2 Us website.
Benefits you might be entitled to
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is for people aged 16 or over who have not reached State Pension age. It can help cover the costs caused by disability or long term ill health.
Read our information on Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Attendance Allowance (AA)
AA is for people over State Pension age. It helps people who have a severe physical or mental disability with personal care or supervision needs.
Read our information on Attendance Allowance (AA).
Access to Work
This benefit covers the cost of any assistive devices or communication support you need to do your job.
Read our information on Access to Work.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
If you have hearing loss due to your experience at work, you could be eligible for this benefit.
Read our information on Industrial Injures Disablement Benefit (IIDB).
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
If your deafness or hearing loss was caused by service in the armed forces, you may be eligible for compensation.
Read our information on the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
War Pensions Scheme
If you have hearing loss that was caused by military service or wartime experiences, you may be eligible for compensation.
Read our information on the War Pensions Scheme.
How to claim benefits
Each benefit has its own claiming process. Once you’ve decided what benefit you need, you will usually have to fill in a form (either online or on paper), or make a telephone call. When you need to call a benefits agency, they will either offer text relay calls or make adjustments for you.
Get support making a benefits claim
Benefits claim forms can be confusing and complicated. There are a number of services that can help you fill in the forms.
- Get local advice (Advicelocal)
- Find a local agency (Turn2us)
- Read this step-by-step guide on PIP forms (Citizens Advice).
If you live in Scotland, you can find advice and support for benefits at the charity, Deaf Action.
Contact Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can give you free, impartial and independent benefits advice. Find your local bureau to view a list of phone numbers or arrange an appointment.
- England and Wales – Citizens Advice website
- Scotland – Citizens Advice website
- Northern Ireland – Advice NI website
For phone calls, there is the option to use the free speech-to-text software Relay UK.
Contact us
If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID.
We’re open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.