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Getting the right financial support is vital for carers. Very often the person affected by dementia will need to pay for additional care and support. For the carer, the additional caring responsibilities can mean having to reduce working hours or potentially stopping work altogether.
It is important to get advice early as we can help you to understand the benefits support that is available and give you advice on how to get help with the costs of care from your local authority. You might be surprised at what you’re entitled to, especially as some claims can be backdated. Rob Sherratt, Advice and Advocacy Specialist, Dementia Carers Count
If you are caring for someone with dementia you may be able to access some financial support.
There are several different benefits which you may be entitled to. Some benefits overlap with others and can impact on what you are able to claim.
It can sometimes all feel a bit complicated and overwhelming. That’s why we’re on hand to help.
We can talk through your personal circumstances in confidence over the phone and advise you what you may be eligible to claim.
We can also support you to complete the paperwork involved. We know how daunting it can feel to fill out lengthy forms, especially when you are caring for someone.
In our experience, most carers who complete a benefit check with us and go on to claim their entitlements, end up with increased income. This can make a big difference.
I cannot thank you enough for your support this morning with completing the form for my mum. I have been going in endless circles trying to complete it for several weeks and with everything else that is happening nearly gave up. Your support has been invaluable thank you. Dementia carer
You may be entitled to one or more of these benefits.
Carer’s Allowance is the benefit that is paid to the carer. To qualify for this benefit, you need to meet some basic conditions which include that you are:
We can help you to understand if you’re eligible to make a claim for Carer’s Allowance and we can support you to make your claim.
Often carers approach us to claim Carer’s Allowance before the person affected by dementia is on a qualifying benefit. If this if the case, then we support the person to claim the right benefits for the person with dementia so to that the Carer’s Allowance claim can proceed. Rob Sherratt, Advice and Advocacy Specialist, Dementia Carers Count
It is important to be aware that claiming Carer’s Allowance can affect the benefits of the person you care for.
If you’re thinking of claiming Carer’s Allowance, we would strongly recommend you speak to one of our advisors so we can check what impact, if any, this might have.
Claiming disability benefits can be a complex process and there are different benefits available depending on whether you are of working age or of pension age.
If you are of working age then you may be eligible for a Personal Independence Payment and if you are of pension age then you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
Neither of these benefits are means tested and they are non-taxable.
Disability benefits cannot be back-dated.
Attendance Allowance is for the person who has the disability.
They qualify for the benefit if they need either, attention from someone else to complete self-care tasks, or someone to supervise them to ensure that they’re safe at home.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance
Personal Independence Payment is a benefit for people of working age who need help with taking part in everyday life because of an illness or disability.
Find out more about Personal Independence Payment
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of state pension age. It is a top up benefit for people on low incomes.
Find out more about Pension Credit
There are benefits available to top up your income if you cannot work because of caring, disability or age, and are on a low income.
Find out more about benefits available if you stop working to care
There are ways in which a council tax bill might be reduced, but first it’s worth checking whether the property should be liable for any council tax at all.
Find out more about how to reduce your council tax
Often carers can feel overwhelmed when trying to tackle the claiming process.
It is always advisable to get advice early and get support with your claim. Our advisors can support with all aspects of the process. We will support you with completing claim forms, handling any reconsideration or appeals and representing you at benefit tribunals.
A well completed claim form with specialist advice will greatly increase the chances of the claim being successful without the need for further appeals. This will greatly speed up the process making sure the person you care for gets their benefits quickly and easily.
Without Rob’s help I would not have been able to make a claim for financial help. I am no good filling in forms. Dementia carer
Call our Carer Support Line with any questions you have about what financial support you may be entitled to and to ask for help with completing paperwork.
A carer who is supported to combine working and caring may be better able to maintain their own wellbeing.
Help for dementia carers covering everything from getting a carers assessment, to continence, washing and eating, to lasting power of attorney
Are you caring for someone with dementia? Feeling alone, overwhelmed, or worried about money? Call our Carer Support Line free on 0800 652 1102 Monday to Friday 9-5.
