Many people living with dementia may be missing out on vital financial support, experts warn, as confusion over eligibility rules leaves families quietly struggling. Specialists are urging those affected to check their entitlements, noting that hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds annually could be going unclaimed.
Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at debt support provider Money Wellness, said the financial impact of dementia is often overlooked. “A lot of the focus quite rightly goes on healthcare and social care, but there’s also a huge financial side to this that many families are quietly struggling with behind closed doors,” she said.
Attendance Allowance: A Key Benefit
One crucial benefit that many people with dementia may not claim is Attendance Allowance. Administered by the DWP, it supports individuals of state pension age who need help due to health conditions. The current weekly rates are £76.70 at the lower level and £114.60 at the higher level.
Annually, that adds up to over £3,900 at the lower rate and more than £5,900 at the higher rate. Claiming Attendance Allowance can also unlock access to additional financial support, including higher Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reductions.
Ms Lamb highlighted other forms of support available, from breathing space schemes and debt write-offs to specialist assistance from banks or creditors. She explained why people with dementia often miss out:
“As dementia progresses, people can find it harder to manage bills, deal with paperwork or spot financial problems early. At the same time, families are trying to navigate a support system that often feels confusing and disconnected. One of the biggest issues isn’t always a lack of support. It’s that people simply don’t know what help exists until they’re already in crisis.”
Benefits Are Not Automatic
Specialists at life insurance provider Zurich have echoed these concerns, warning that many people fail to plan financially for the possibility of developing dementia. Peter Hamilton, head of market engagement at Zurich UK, said that many benefits require an application—often from the individual or their lasting power of attorney (LPA)—creating a barrier for those with cognitive decline.
Research cited by Zurich suggests some individuals with dementia may be losing between £1,000 and £5,000 each year in unclaimed benefits. Hamilton noted that low awareness, cognitive impairment, and complex systems all contribute, and added that more than a third of people with dementia in the UK have no formal diagnosis, further limiting access to support.
Checking Eligibility
The DWP encourages individuals and carers to review their entitlements to ensure no support is being overlooked. Awareness and proactive applications are crucial, as many forms of assistance are not automatic. For families navigating dementia, understanding the financial options can make a significant difference to quality of life and peace of mind.
Fact Check
- Attendance Allowance is available to those of State Pension age requiring care due to health conditions.
- Current weekly rates: £76.70 (lower) and £114.60 (higher).
- Many benefits require application; they are not automatically awarded.
FAQs
1. Who qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
Individuals of State Pension age needing help due to health conditions, including dementia.
2. How much can Attendance Allowance provide annually?
Between £3,980 and £5,960, depending on the level of support awarded.
3. Are benefits automatic for people with dementia?
No. Many require applications through the individual or their LPA.
4. What other support might be available?
Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, council tax reductions, debt assistance, and specialist financial guidance.
5. Why do people with dementia often miss out on support?
Cognitive decline, low awareness, lack of diagnosis, and complex systems make it harder to claim benefits.
