Vital benefits for those living with dementia

Get the right welfare benefits support 

If you, or someone you know, is living with dementia, getting access to the right social welfare benefits and support is crucial. For many, this may be the first time that they have interacted with the benefits system and some of the options may not be immediately obvious.

If you are of state pension age and above ...

Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested payment made to people who have reached pension age and have a disability or illness that makes it hard for them to look after themselves. There are two rates, depending on how much help you need. Click here for more information

Guarantee Pension Credit
This is a payment that tops up your pension to a minimum weekly amount. People in receipt of Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment can access a higher amount. Click here for more information.

Council Tax Severe Mental Impairment
If you are diagnosed as having a severe mental impairment (SMI) - for example, Alzheimer's - you may be entitled to a discount on your Council Tax. This discount is 100% if you live alone, or 25% if you live with someone diagnosed as SMI and no other adults. Click here for more infomation

Blue Badge
If you're disabled or have a health condition that affects your mobility, you can apply for a Blue Badge. With it you can park in places other drivers can’t, for example parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.  The Blue Badge is linked to you rather than a vehicle,  so you can use it with any car. You don't need to be able to drive to apply for a Blue Badge. Click here for more information

If you or someone you know is living with dementia, contact us to have our specialist advisers check to make sure that everyone is receiving the help and support they are entitled to.

If you are below state pension age ...

Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is extra money to help you with everyday life if you’ve an illness, disability or mental health condition. You can get it on top of Employment and Support Allowance or other benefits. Your income, savings, and whether you’re working or not don't affect your eligibility. Click here for more information.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance
If you have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). It is a fortnightly payment that can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit. New Style ESA is a contributory benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in. Click here for more information

Universal Credit
Universal Credit has replaced benefits such as Housing Benefit, income-related Employment Support Allowance, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit for most people: You might be able to get Universal Credit if you’re not working or you’re on a low income. You'll usually get a single payment each month, rather than weekly or fortnightly. Click here for more information

Council Tax Severe Mental Impairment
If you are diagnosed as having a severe mental impairment (SMI) - for example, Alzheimer's - you may be entitled to a discount on your Council Tax. This discount is 100% if you live alone, or 25% if you live with someone diagnosed as SMI and no other adults. Click here for more infomation

Blue Badge
If you're disabled or have a health condition that affects your mobility, you can apply for a Blue Badge. With it you can park in places other drivers can’t, for example parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.  The Blue Badge is linked to you rather than a vehicle,  so you can use it with any car. You don't need to be able to drive to apply for a Blue Badge. Click here for more information

To read more of our dementia case studies click here
To go to our Let's Talk About Dementia page click here
If you would like to know more about the specialist advice services we offer for people living with dementia, contact us here