A dementia diagnosis brings a lot of challenges – and that includes finances. Direct costs associated with having dementia include things like medical, social and home care. It can also affect your own ability to work, and that of anyone caring for you. So it’s important to make sure finances are included in any assessment of your needs, and that you’re accessing all the help you could be entitled to.
For people with dementia who’re above retirement age, the main benefit they’re likely to be eligible for is Attendance Allowance. “A lot of people we speak to don’t know about Attendance Allowance or realise that it covers dementia,” says ADSS Dementia Co-ordinator Clare Ramsell.
“Some people also think they’re above the financial threshold for claiming any benefits at all. But Attendance Allowance is needs-tested not means-tested – it doesn’t matter how much money you have or haven’t got. Of course not everyone will be eligible, but when we do an assessment we can look at the whole picture of someone’s needs and advise whether it’s worth applying.”
Attendance Allowance is designed for people of state pension age and over who have a disability or long-term health condition that means they need help with daily living activities including personal care or supervision to stay safe. You could use your Attendance Allowance to help pay for a cleaner or gardener, for example, or for a session at a day-care centre. Attendance Allowance is tax-free, and you can get it regardless of your income or savings. There are two rates, a lower and a higher rate, depending on how much care you need. Want to know more about Attendance Allowance? Find out here. To apply, call the helpline on 0800 731 0122 or download the form at gov.uk.
If you are receiving Attendance Allowance, you could also be eligible for other benefits including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. If you’re on a low income you could qualify for help with NHS costs via the NHS Low Income Scheme. And if someone is caring for you for at least 35 hours each week and they are below state pension age, they may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. Your ADSS Dementia Coordinator can give you more advice.
ADSS can also help with other financial challenges associated with dementia. “We can refer people to the council if they’re having issues with housing, for example,” says Clare. “And our dedicated energy adviser Kelly can give practical, personalised advice on how to stay safe and warm at home while saving energy.” Find out more about staying safe and warm at home here.
Both Lynne and Clare agree that awareness of Attendance Allowance is generally low. “Lots of people still aren’t getting the help they’re entitled to,” says Lynne. “We encourage everyone we work with at ADSS to apply for all the help they can,” says Clare. “Having that little bit extra coming in can make a big difference to quality of life, not just for the person with dementia but for their carers and loved ones too.”
gov.uk provides information on benefits for people living with health conditions, including on eligibility and working out what you could be entitled to.
Green Doctors is a Kent-based initiative providing free, personalised advice on how to stay warm in your home and save money by cutting your energy bills.
Income Max offers free, confidential money advice, aimed at ensuring you’re getting all the grants, benefits and financial support you’re entitled to.
ADSS provides practical and emotional support with all aspects of living with dementia. Call a Dementia Coordinator on 0800 035 2221 or Contact us here.