Dementia can affect a person in all aspects of life – emotional, mental, physical, and even financial. As the level of dementia progresses in a person, it may take the full time to care for them and the finances may start to increase. This can dig a hole into your family?s savings especially if the amount going out from the household is more compared to what is coming in.
There is a silver lining to this whole scenario. If your loved one is not at a dementia care facility, but instead you are the one caring for a loved one suffering from dementia, there are financial benefits that your loved one claim and can assist you with the everyday expenses in the household, including medical care for the patient. Here are some of the benefits that you can look into and arrange to help you out in your home.
Incredible Benefits of People Living with Dementia
The government has arranged excellent support for people living with dementia. They understand the reality of financial resource for this type of condition and take into account the expenses on everyday living.
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a new benefit introduced, although it is a slight tweak on the old benefit known as Disability Living Allowance. This type of benefit is for people who have difficulty in mobility and personal care such as walking around the house, washing or dressing, using the toilet and other regular daily activities one performs. This benefit is tax-free and is not influenced by insurance contributions. The PIP benefit can vary based on a person?s ability to perform these regular daily tasks.
Council Tax
Council Tax is known in Wales, Scotland, and England as charges for residential properties or property tax. For a person diagnosed with mental health issues or dementia, they can apply for exemption on Council Tax and it can be granted with supporting documents on the mental health condition.
Cold Weather & Winter Fuel Payments
Cold Weather Payment and Winter Fuel Payment can be availed by people who were born on or before 5 July 1952 and are not exclusive for dementia patients. This means the elderly who were born on or before that date can avail of this benefit to help them with heating and warming up their place during winter time. The government may give additional payments in areas that can fall to below freezing points for more than seven days. This benefit is tax-free.
Attendance Allowance
For those who are aged more than 65 years old, they may qualify for attendance allowance. If you are diagnosed with dementia, you may qualify for this benefit regardless if you are currently receiving care or not. Attendance allowance provides help for personal care such as dressing, eating, washing and the use of the toilet, settling down for bed, turning over on the bed, social activities and taking medication, but not including mobility support. Depending on your needs, the amount of this benefit may vary.
Also, other benefits that can be included in this:
Aside from the benefits that are focused mainly on dementia care, there are other benefits that you can claim which are targeted on home care and daily finances.
Income support
Income support is a means-tested benefit which will depend if you paid national insurance contributions. It is likely to pension support for retirees who have paid their social security dues. This benefit also includes other qualifications particularly in free prescriptions and availing free sight tests. Another benefit for this is the Blue Badge. People who have dementia, or those who care for dementia patients, can avail the Blue Badge which allows drivers or passengers who hold this title to park on more convenient locations.
Housing benefit
The housing benefit is financial assistance for people who are currently unemployed and can not pay their housing rent. This benefit can also be availed by individuals who are diagnosed with dementia. There are qualifications being looked into before you can claim this benefit.
– If you have reached State Pension Age
– If you live in temporary accommodation
– If you live in supported housing facilities or shelters
– If you were entitled to the severe disability premium issued within the past month
Job seeker’s allowance (JSA)
Job seeker?s allowance or JSA can be a claim for two parties in your household. Either the dementia patient or the family member who becomes unemployed to care for the loved one can apply a claim for this benefit. JSA is a social security benefit which is used to cover the living expenses of the claimant while they are out of work and actively looking for work. Claimants will undergo an interview and submit the required documents before being able to claim this benefit. One requirement is the severe disability premium.
Pension credit
Pension credit is a benefit aimed for retired individuals who had low income. This is a tax-free benefit from the government. Pension credit claims can be up to £7,000 of financial assistance yearly. Couples should both be of State Pension Age to avail of this benefit. It is also available for single, widows and widowers pensioners.
There are two types of pension credit: guarantee credit and savings credit. Guarantee credit is given to pensioners after their total income has been assessed. This includes insurances and pensions from other jobs or benefits. Savings credit is awarded to pensioners who have savings on top of their income and benefits.
Financial support is important when taking care of a loved one who suffers from dementia. Expenses may fluctuate anytime and apart from the regular expenses, you need to have money saved for emergencies. It is important to note that documentation are completed and filed properly to avail of these benefits.
Conclusion
You do not have to fret anymore on where you will have to go for help and support on finances when you have all these benefits arranged.