Benefits, Attendance Allowance and PIP

Attendance Allowance

For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of physical or mental disability:

• Non-means-tested (income and savings do not affect eligibility);
• Two rates: lower (around £73 a week) for daytime or night-time help; higher (around £108 a week) for both;
• Not affected by other income or savings;
• Can be backdated up to 3 months in some cases.

Apply via GOV.UK or by calling 0800 731 0122. The form is long but worth completing carefully. Citizens Advice and Age UK help with applications.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

For people under State Pension age with daily living or mobility difficulties:

• Non-means-tested;
• Two components (daily living and mobility), each at standard or enhanced rate;
• Total can reach around £184 a week;
• Assessment by a Health Professional in most cases;
• Continues to State Pension age, after which Attendance Allowance does not require a fresh medical assessment.

Apply by calling 0800 917 2222.

Carer's Allowance

For people providing 35 hours or more of care per week to someone in receipt of certain qualifying benefits (including the middle or higher rate of Attendance Allowance, or the daily living component of PIP):

• Around £83 a week;
• The carer must be aged 16 or over;
• Earnings cap of around £151 a week (after tax and certain deductions);
• Cannot be combined with State Pension above a certain level (a "overlapping benefit" issue, but underlying entitlement still benefits the household).

Apply via GOV.UK or 0800 731 0297.

Council Tax

Several reductions can apply:

• Severe Mental Impairment exemption: people with diagnosed dementia are exempt from Council Tax. They are "disregarded" for Council Tax purposes, which can mean:
  • If they live alone, full exemption;
  • If they live with one adult, a 25 per cent reduction;
  • Other situations vary.
  A GP letter confirms the diagnosis to the council.
• Council Tax Support: means-tested reduction;
• Carer disregard: if you live with and care for someone with dementia, you may also be disregarded for Council Tax.

Contact your local council to claim. Backdating is possible in some cases.

Other benefits to consider

• Pension Credit: tops up income to a minimum level for people over State Pension age; gateway to other benefits;
• Housing Benefit / Universal Credit housing element: for help with rent;
• Cold Weather Payment, Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount: help with heating costs;
• Free prescriptions and dental care: in some circumstances;
• Blue Badge: for parking; available for people with dementia in many areas;
• Older Person's Bus Pass: free bus travel;
• Disabled Persons Railcard: a third off rail fares;
• TV Licence concession: for over-75s receiving Pension Credit.

Where to get help with claims

• Citizens Advice: free benefit checks and claim help;
• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602;
• Alzheimer's Society Dementia Connect: 0333 150 3456;
• Disability Rights UK: benefit enquiries;
• Local council welfare rights team: in many areas.

Many people are eligible for benefits they do not claim. A free benefits check often reveals £1,000 to £5,000 a year in unclaimed entitlements.

Backdating and review

Many benefits can be backdated 1 to 3 months. Review entitlement annually, particularly as care needs change.