A new advice pack is being launched in Sussex today for deaf people who may be missing out on disability benefit.
It has been compiled by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) following research which showed many deaf people found the system inaccessible.
The charity estimates that fewer than one in ten severely and profoundly deaf adults receive disability living allowance (DLA), which helps meet the extra costs of being disabled.
Many deaf people, whose first language is sign language, have difficulty understanding the application process and experience problems in communicating with benefits staff.
James Strachan, RNID chief executive, said: "The process of claiming DLA is failing deaf people in Sussex. Deaf people are missing out on a valuable benefit that enables them to lead independent lives. "
The pack, which gives claimants advice on what they are entitled to, can be obtained via text phone 0808 808 9000.
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