What benefits might I be entitled to?
It might seem overwhelming right now, but there are a range of discounts, grants and state benefits that you might be able to access.
Start by applying to your local council for a needs assessment – bear in mind that it can take a while to get the ball rolling, so the sooner you apply, the better. You can start the process here
In the meantime check what you might be entitled to and consider asking a trusted loved one to help you.
You can also get help with this by chatting to the Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456 or by calling Age UK on 0800 169 2081. You’ll find more useful contacts at the end of this article, including links to handy benefits calculators – click here to go straight there.
Below, is an overview of the type of benefits available to you if you’re living with dementia, but of course, much depends on your personal circumstances:
Attendance Allowance
Are you over 65 and need help with personal care? You might be eligible for an Attendance Allowance of between £68 and £102 per week* depending on what type of care you need.
Personal Independence Payment
If you’re under state pension age and need help with everyday tasks due to your dementia you could be entitled to claim for a Personal Independence Payment (commonly known as PIP, for short). It has two elements – one for daily living and one for mobility.
Carer’s Allowance
If you have someone who looks after you for more than 35 hours a week they could be entitled to a Carer’s Allowance of around £76 per week but they need to be earning less than £100 a week in order to claim and can’t be in full-time education. Learn more here
NHS Continuing Healthcare
This is a package of care that you might be able to access to help with your ongoing needs as your dementia progresses. You can read more about it here
Is there anything else I can claim for?
Free home assessments
You’re eligible for a free home assessment to help you to continue to live as independently as possible. Once an assessment has been carried out, if the home adjustments recommended total less than £1,000, you can get them done for free. Read more and apply here
Discounted council tax
If you’re receiving disability benefits you might be able to get 25% off your council tax bill, which could save you on average £400 a year. Find out more here
Meals on Wheels
Some councils provide a meal delivery service – but much depends on the area you live in. Check your local authority website for information or add your postcode to the area checker here
Grants
Once you’ve applied for the benefits you’re entitled to you can also apply for a grant from a charity or trust via Carers UK to help with any equipment, home repairs, house moving costs or unexpected bills.
If you’re finding applying for benefits stressful or confusing, try the following organisations for free advice:
Alzheimer’s Society 0333 150 3456
Age UK 0800 169 2081
Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 (or 0800 702 202 if you live in Wales)
Carers UK carersuk.org
Carers Trust carers.org
Turn2us has a benefits calculator here and they also offer anonymous and confidential advice.
Find out more about financial help for you and anyone who helps to look after you here and share advice about benefits and financial help with others on our forum here
*Correct as of August 2024