What benefits apply?

Dan88 · January 17

hello all.
My father has just received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
He is no longer allowed to drive and my mum is going everything for him. It is very mild at this stage. But in terms of appointments she is now having to take him and go in with him. And she is making sure he has his tablets. He can’t go out alone etc.

is there any help they would be entitled to?
both retired?
I thought maybe carers allowance or pip?
they don’t have any benefits currently.
many thanks for any advice

Kimi87 · January 17

You mentioned they are both retired - are they both receiving state pension?

Dan88 · January 17

hello yes they do both recieve state pension. My dad is 79 and my mum is 76

I think my dad may also have a private pension he paid into when he was younger.

poppy123456 · January 17

It would be Attendance Allowance he needs to look at because he is over state pension age so PIP doesn't apply to him. This is assuming he doesn't live in Scotland.

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/benefits-if-you-are-disabled-ill-or-injured/attendance-allowance/

Carers allowance can't be claimed unless he receives an award for AA. Even then if your mum's state pension is more than £81.90/week she will not be entitled to carers allowance payments because they are treated as overlapping benefits. She would have an underlying entitlement to it, which could increase entitlement to Pension Credit but that would depend on their joint circumstances.

Dan88 · January 17

ok good to know. I’ll pass on the info. What is attendance allowance? do you know how much that is?
Is there anything he should be claiming for or just her.
She has given up a lot of her activities to be with him pretty much all the time so I know it’s hard on her.

Kimi87 · January 17

The link Poppy posted has all the details on Attendance Allowance, it would be awarded for him.

As she explained Carers Allowance generally can't be paid at the same time as a state pension, but can increase entitlement to Pension Credit.

Your parents could also get a needs assessment for Dad, and carers assessment for Mum. Both can be done at the same time.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/

Dan88 · January 17

amazing sorry I didn’t see the links. Thank you both very much.

What benefits apply?

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