Deafness Disability Tax relief

Jack512

Hi /there I am profoundly deaf and many years ago I discovered that Blind or even partially sighted people receive an additional personal tax allowance of (this year) £2870 per year . I have pursued Treasury to find out why this tax allowance is not given to profoundly deaf persons as well. As a disability relief. I went through my MP and the Parliamentary Ombudsman's office and to date no one is forthcoming on this subject! Profound deafness is socially limiting as well as isolating ! Not in the same way as blindness but parallels can be drawn . We have to purchase expensive hearing Aids as the NHS issue ones do not reach the levels we need and the constant support in adjustments service etc. Will it be possible to have parity in the near future please ? In order to help future generations with this onerous problem ? I was able to stay at work via the Access to Work scheme whilst continuing to contribute by working and paying taxes but now I am retired that is no longer available to people in my situation! Albeit I still pay taxes !!

eskbanker

Jack512 said:

Will it be possible to have parity in the near future please ?

That phrasing suggests that you may expect someone reading your post to be able to do something about it - going via your MP does seem to be the most appropriate route, or if you were perhaps trying to attract Martin Lewis's attention then you'd need to do so via other channels.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/benefits-tax-credits may be a better board on this forum to discuss the matter and to ensure that you're getting as much financial support as you're entitled to....

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/blind-persons-allowance/eligibility

England and Wales

You can claim Blind Person’s Allowance if both of the following apply:

• you’re registered with your local council as blind or severely sight impaired
• you have a certificate that says you’re blind or severely sight impaired (or a similar document from your doctor)

Scotland and Northern Ireland

You can claim Blind Person’s Allowance if both of the following apply:

• you cannot do work for which eyesight is essential
• you have a certificate that says you’re blind or severely sight impaired (or a similar document from your doctor)

There is no registration /certification for deafness.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

There has been a response to a parliamentary question and I get the distinct impression that the status quo isn't going to change anytime soon.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2022-12-09/107150

eskbanker

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

There has been a response to a parliamentary question and I get the distinct impression that the status quo isn't going to change anytime soon.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2022-12-09/107150

Definitely "a response" rather than "an answer"!

Jack512

Thanks so far for all comments. I and the many people like me, need a champion to take this forward . Apparently it is Treasury that needs the initial push to recognise severe hearing loss as a category equal to Blindness and I have pursued it right up to the Treasury Secretary at that time,David Gauke and his deputy Simon Kirby ,who was my M.P. I took it further and wrote to the Parliamentary and Health service Ombudsman. I wasn't seeking to ask for new legislation but simply for parity with an equally life limiting disability of Blindness with Severe deafness.I felt fobbed off at the time and I still do now that what i was asking for was a change in government policy which would require a Bill.