- Carers Mind Hub
Help with care costs that families sometimes overlook
Dementia can change household finances quietly. There are extra journeys, heating bills, replacement items, paid help and sometimes a reduction in a family member's working hours. Yet families may not realise that a person living with dementia could qualify for Attendance Allowance, even if a relative provides all their care.
Attendance Allowance is for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. It is not awarded simply because someone has a dementia diagnosis; the important question is what help or supervision they reasonably need.
What are the rates?
For 2026/27, the lower rate is £76.70 a week and the higher rate is £114.60 a week. The rate depends on the level and timing of care or supervision needed, including whether substantial needs arise during the day, at night or both. The benefit is not means-tested: savings and income do not determine entitlement. Rates can change each tax year, so check GOV.UK when applying.
A person does not necessarily have to be receiving paid care to qualify. Families often provide substantial support without describing it as care because it has gradually become part of everyday life.
Describe the difficult days, not just the good ones
Applications ask about help with tasks and supervision. Think about washing, dressing, eating, medication, using the toilet, keeping safe and needing reassurance or guidance. Does someone have to prompt every stage of getting dressed? Could they safely prepare a meal alone? Do they wake disorientated and need help at night?
Keep a short diary for a week or two before completing the form. Include how long tasks take, what happens without help and whether supervision is needed even when the person insists they are managing independently. Be accurate rather than dramatic. A typical day is often more revealing than the day when a visiting professional happens to see everything going smoothly.
The wider financial picture
An Attendance Allowance award may affect entitlement to other support, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, depending on circumstances. Someone providing regular care may also wish to check their own position regarding Carer's Allowance, although claiming it can interact with other benefits. A proper benefits check can be worthwhile before anyone makes a new claim.
If the person struggles with paperwork, find out whether an appointee or attorney can act on their behalf where appropriate. Keep copies of forms and supporting evidence. If an application is refused, read the decision carefully and consider requesting a mandatory reconsideration within the applicable deadline.
Start with one practical step
Check the current guidance and application route on GOV.UK, then write down the help actually needed over
Advice for assistance.
Share this article with another dementia carer. Financial support is often missed simply because nobody has mentioned it at the right time.
