What benefits can a dementia patient claim?

There are various streams of financial support which are available for the dementia patient and carer. It can be a complicated process. The GOV UK website contains a benefits calculator which can help you identify which benefits you may be entitled to:https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators. We have also detailed below what you may be entitled in benefits as a dementia patient and places where you can find more information too. The benefits range from support for you as the dementia patient, payment support for any additional care you may need and also unemployment benefits.

Personal Independence Payment: https://www.gov.uk/pip

This benefit is to support at home living with dementia and is a benefit for you as the dementia patient. The cash benefit ranges between £23.50 and £148.85 weekly (correct at 1 May 2019) and this data may be subject to change so check the data before you apply. The amount you receive depends on how you are affected by dementia and not just for being a dementia patient.

You can expect to be assessed by a health professional who will use this to identify how much of this benefit you will be entitled to. As the condition can lead to a range of conditions you  can expect this assessment to take place on a regular basis, to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount based on your condition and symptoms.

Attendance allowance:
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

This benefit is to support you if your dementia is so severe that you need someone to help look after you. The cash benefit ranges between £58.70 and £87.65 weekly (correct at 1 May 2019), to help you to pay for the care that you receive and will be reviewed.

Council tax

You will be eligible for a council tax reduction based on your diagnosis and depending on how many people are living in the property. This will also be assessed on the severity of your illness. More information will be available from your local council.

Unemployment benefits

You may be entitled to claim for unemployment benefits if you are of working age and unable to work because of your illness.

VAT exemptions or relief

Products which are designed and manufactured to help people with disabilities are eligible for VAT relief. We stock a number of products in our shop which qualify regardless of whether you are the dementia patient, carer or healthcare professional.  

How do I claim for these benefits?

You may find that your care co-ordinator may be able to help with the information that you require. (Link to blog 39). The job centre will contain leaflets to help you understand which benefits are available. If that is not convenient for you, then you can access information from the department for work and pensions.

Local citizens advice bureau may also cover details around benefits and support for dementia patients. See more here .

Looking After has a range of articles covering financial, legal, before diagnosis, understanding dementia and many other information points to help you on your journey. If you are looking for information about benefits as a carere for a person with dementia, please see our article here.