Carers Allowance and other benefits

If you are carer then make sure that you are claiming all of the benefits that you are entitled to. This may include Carer's Allowance.  But claiming it can mean that the person you care for receives less in the way of home-related benefits such as Pension Credit. You should check whether this is the case or not before making a claim. 

If your state pension is higher than Carer's Allowance, then you will not receive Carer's Allowance.  But extra money may be added to any other means-tested benefits you claim, such as Housing Benefits and Pension Credit. 

The person suffering with dementia may be entitled to Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance. This is dependent  on their age and whether they have mobility or care needs or both. They won't automatically qualify for a disability benefit because they have dementia. Neither of the benefits mentioned in this paragraph are means-tested so their income and savings will not be taken into account. 

You could also qualify for a reduction to your Council Tax bill if you live with someone with dementia. Some people are not counted when working out the number of people in your home, this can include anyone with advanced dementia. 

There is help and support available to you in every aspect of caring for someone. Financial help is just one way. To find out more about the help and support available to you please explore our website further, we have a lot of articles that may be of use to you.