Available for Everyone
Some financial help is available for carers and people who have dementia, regardless of how much money they have as income or savings (i.e. it is not means tested). This includes:
Council Tax Reduction and Benefit
Anyone with a severe mental impairment, including dementia, who lives alone and receives an appropriate disability benefit (such as attendance allowance, or the higher or middle care components of disability living allowance), is entitled to exemption from paying any council tax. If the same criteria apply but you live with one other adult, they can claim a 25% reduction on the council tax.
Council Tax Reductions which are not means tested and Council Tax Benefit which is means tested and is payable to anyone whose income is low. For people in receipt of the guarantee element of Pension Credit there is no upper capital limit, for everyone else the limit is £16,000. The benefits section of your Council will have the necessary forms for you to complete.
More details can be found in the Alzheimer's society factsheet Council tax.
Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are non-means-tested and tax free benefits, relating to disability (e.g. dementia).
Attendance Allowance - this is paid to a person to cover the extra costs associated with a physical disability, it is paid to people aged over 65, is not dependent upon previous national insurance contributions or any savings and is not taxed. There are different levels of payment depending upon needs. A medical examination is rarely required.
Disability Living Allowance - this benefit is paid to people aged under 65 for personal care and mobility needs. The mobility component is aimed at people with walking difficulties and the lower rate is paid for people who are more prone to getting lost or who need guidance when moving around. The application forms are detailed and need to be completed carefully so it is advisable to take advice before making your application.
Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are both paid at different levels, depending on the person's level of mobility, and care needs. A medical is not normally required, but having help to fill in the claim form may be beneficial.
For more information choose from the following links:
- Disability Living Allowance - rates and how to claim
- Attendance Allowance - including current rates
- Alzheimer's Society Welfare benefits factsheet
- Age Concern Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
Carer's Allowance - is paid to a carer aged 16 or over, not in full time education and a British Resident who cares for someone for more than 35 hours per week. They do not have to be related to the looked after person or even live with them. This benefit is taxable, not all carers are eligible and some of the looked after person's benefits may be cut. The looked after person must be in receipt of either Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance at the middle or higher rates. There are other circumstances when a carer is not eligible so seek advice before making an application.
