There are currently an estimated 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK and this number is projected to increase. If you are living with dementia, or caring for someone with the condition, you may be eligible for certain benefits to help with the additional daily living costs involved.
If you or the person you’re caring for are under State Pension age, you may be eligible for mobility support too. There is no hard and fast rule for claiming benefits for a hidden condition like dementia, but there is an excellent network of charities and organisations, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, that can help check your eligibility and go through the process with you.
People under State Pension age with dementia (or other cognitive conditions) may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if they live in Scotland and if they are over 66, they may qualify for Attendance Allowance. Someone providing 35 hours of care each week may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
Below is a brief overview of each benefit with links to more detailed information.
PIP or ADP - for people under State Pension age
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in October 2022 there were 15,446 people under State Pension age receiving regular payments of between £24.45 and £156.90 each week in additional financial support.
New claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by Adult Disability Payment (ADP) but the eligibility rules are very similar and the payment rates are the same.
Both benefits are paid every four weeks - this amounts to between £97.80 and £627.60 every payment period.
PIP claimants with dementia
- Scotland: 1,797
- England and Wales: 13,649
- Great Britain: 15,446
Who can claim: Adults under State Pension age
How much it’s worth: Between £97.80 and £627.60 every four weeks
What is it: A benefit delivered by the DWP (PIP) and Social Security Scotland (ADP) to people with a long-term illness, disability or physical or mental health condition - including an ever-growing range of hidden conditions.
PIP is non-means tested, tax-free and available to those in and out of work, it can also be claimed on top of other benefits as it is not affected by the benefits cap - find out more here.
Find out more information about PIP here.
Find out more information about ADP here.
Attendance Allowance - for people over State Pension age
The latest figures from the DWP show that in August 2022 there were 142,027 people over State Pension age receiving regular payments of either £61.85 or £92.40 every week in additional financial support.
Attendance Allowance claimants with dementia
- Scotland: 9,912
- England: 125,712
- Wales: 6,008
- Abroad: 395
- Great Britain: 142,027
Who can claim: People over State Pension age.
How much it's worth: You will be paid either £61.85 or £92.40 every week.
What is it: A benefit delivered by the DWP that helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. It can also help you stay independent in your own home longer - find out more about claiming Attendance Allowance here.
Carer’s Allowance
The latest figures from the DWP show that in May last year there were 936,766 people receiving weekly payments of £69.70 for Carer’s Allowance, including 81,682 living in Scotland. Carer’s Allowance will rise in line with inflation from April and increase from £69.70 per week to £76.75.
More than 81,000 people currently claiming Carer’s Allowance received an extra payment for £245.70 in December 2022 as part of a unique benefit only available in Scotland.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is a devolved payment, only given to those living in Scotland, twice each year. To be eligible for the June payment, people will need to have made a claim for Carer’s Allowance to DWP by April 10, 2023. To qualify for the December payment, claims must be received by October 10, 2023 - the second qualifying date has still to be confirmed on MyGov.Scot.
Am I eligible for Carer’s Allowance?
You may be eligible for weekly Carer’s Allowance payments of £69.70 if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - daily living component
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - the middle or highest care rate
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
Armed Forces Independence Payment
If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
The type of care you provide
You need to spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone.
This can include:
helping with washing and cooking
taking the person you care for to a doctor’s appointment
helping with household tasks, like managing bills and shopping
Eligibility
Guidance on GOV.UK states that all of the following must apply:
You are 16 or over
You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone
You have been in Scotland for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
You are not in full-time education
You are not studying for 21 hours a week or more
You are not subject to immigration control
Your earnings are £132 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses
How do I make a claim for Carer's Allowance?
You can claim online at the GOV.UK website here or phone the Carer’s Allowance Unit for a claim form on 0800 731 0297.
Before you apply make sure you have your:
National Insurance number (if you have a partner you’ll need theirs too)
Bank or building society details
Employment details and latest payslip if you’re working
P45 if you’ve recently finished work
Course details if you’re studying
Details of any expenses, for example pension contributions or the cost of caring for your children or the disabled person while you’re at work
GOV.UK guidance states that you also need details of the person you care for.
You need their:
Date of birth and address
National Insurance number if they are 16 or over
Disability Living Allowance reference if they are under 16
To keep up to date with the latest State Pension news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, follow us on Twitter @Record_Money, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out Monday to Friday - sign up here.
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