Guide: DEM7 Benefits for People Living with Dementia
Benefits for People Living with Dementia
Who we are
Age Scotland is the Scottish charity for older people. We work to improve the lives of everyone over the age of 50 and promote their rights and interests.
Our vision is a Scotland which is the best place in the world to grow older.
Our mission is to inspire, involve and empower older people in Scotland, and influence others, so that people enjoy better later lives.
We have three strategic aims:
We help older people to be as well as they can be
We promote a positive view of ageing and later life
We tackle loneliness and isolation
How we can help
We know that growing older doesn’t come with a manual. Later life can bring changes and opportunities to your life and you may need to know about rights, organisations and services which are unfamiliar to you.
That’s why we provide free information and advice to help you on a range of topics including benefits and entitlements, social care, legal issues such as Power of Attorney, housing and much more. All of our guides are available to download for free from our website, or you can contact our helpline team to have copies posted to you for free.
Our helpline is a free, confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland looking for information and advice.
Later life can bring times when you just need someone to talk to. Our friendship line is part of our wider helpline and older people can call us for a chat. We’re here to listen, provide friendship and offer support.
This information guide has been prepared by Age Scotland and contains general advice only. It should not be relied upon as a basis for any decision or action, nor used as a substitute for professional advice. Neither Age Scotland nor any of its subsidiary companies or charities accepts any liability arising from its use and it is the reader’s sole responsibility to ensure any information is up to date and accurate.
Please note that the inclusion of named agencies, websites, companies, products, services or publications in this information guide does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Age Scotland or any of its subsidiary companies or charities.
Introduction
This guide provides information on the help you may be entitled to if you are living with dementia. This includes benefits and practical help. Someone who supports you may also qualify for help.
Benefit rates usually change in April each year. The figures in this guide are for April 2026 to March 2027.
A free benefit check can tell you which benefits you can claim. To book a benefit check, call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222. Our What is a Benefit Check? guide explains the process.
You can also use our online benefits calculator at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator. What is a Benefit Check?
Social Security Benefits
Pension Credit
Pension Credit can give you extra money if you have a low income and have reached State Pension age. If you live with a partner, they must usually have reached State Pension age too.
Pension Credit has two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You could be eligible for one part or both.
You could be eligible for Guarantee Credit if your weekly income is less than £238 if you are single. If you live with a partner, your combined weekly income must be less than £363.25.
Guarantee Credit will top up your income to the amount above that applies to you. You may also be entitled to additional amounts depending on your situation.
Your eligibility is not affected by your savings or capital. However, if you have more than £10,000 in total, the amount of Guarantee Credit you get will be reduced.
Savings Credit is only open to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and put some money aside for retirement. Other criteria also apply.
In 2026/27, a single person could get up to £17.96 per week, and a couple up to £20.10.
To claim Pension Credit
Contact the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.
Our Pension Credit guide provides more information.
If you or your partner are working age, you may qualify for Universal Credit instead. Call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 for more information.
Pension Age Disability Payment
You may be able to claim Pension Age Disability Payment if you have reached State Pension age and need help or supervision with daily tasks. If you already claim Adult Disability Payment, you can continue to claim this instead for as long as you qualify.
Pension Age Disability Payment is non-means tested, which means you can claim it no matter how much you have in income, savings or capital.
You can apply if you need care or supervision because of dementia or for another reason. You do not have to be getting this help to prove you qualify. You should also apply if you need help but are not getting it.
You must have needed care or supervision for at least 6 months before your payments can begin, but this does not apply if you have a terminal illness.
There are two rates depending on your care needs. People with a terminal illness get the higher rate automatically. For 2026-27, the amounts are:
• £76.70 per week for the lower rate - if you have care needs during either the day or the night
• £114.60 per week for the higher rate - if you have care needs during both the day and the night
These payments are non-taxable and you can choose how you spend the money. You do not have to spend it on getting care or support.
Explaining the help you need
The application form will ask about your ability to carry out different tasks. Think about any difficulties you have with each task when you don’t get help. The help you need could be physical help, guidance or supervision.
• Can you do the task every time you need to?
• Do you find the task more difficult because of your condition?
• Does the task take you longer because of your condition?
• Does completing the task cause you pain?
• Do you need to rest afterwards?
• Is it risky or dangerous for you to complete the task on your own?
• Do you need to use any special equipment to do it?
If you have good and bad days, you should explain this, and say how difficult you find each task on a bad day. You should also explain the difference it makes to have help. If you don’t get help, you should explain the difference you think it would make.
Examples of types of help
Be as specific as you can about the type of help you need. If you have difficulty thinking of examples, you could keep a diary for a few days or a week. You could also speak with someone close to you. They might have ideas and could help you with the form.
To get you started, we have provided examples of the help someone living with dementia might need. Everyone is different, so these may not apply to you.
Constant supervision: needing someone with you all the time. This could be to make sure you don’t have a fall or any other type of accident.
During the night: needing someone available overnight to help you use the bathroom, or to reassure you if you wake up confused.
Using the toilet: help finding or using a toilet safely, or to do up your clothing after using the toilet.
Looking after your appearance: reminders to wash, support to check water temperature or help to identify bathroom products.
Dressing or undressing: help to identify clothes that are clean and suitable, reminders to change your clothes or help fastening clothes.
Eating and drinking: reminders to eat and drink, or support to prepare food or check it is in date. If you enjoy cooking, you may want support to follow recipes and use kitchen equipment.
Taking medication: reminders about when and how to take medications. You may need help to tell which medication is which, or to read and understand instructions.
Communication: support with understanding or communicating with others. This could include help answering the phone, reading letters or filling out forms.
Keeping safe in your home: help using appliances safely, remembering to lock doors or dealing with unexpected visitors or phone calls.
Moving around: help getting around safely, due to physical difficulties, sight loss or confusion. You should describe any falls or stumbles you have had and if you needed medical help afterwards.
Keeping safe out and about: help crossing the road safely, finding the right route or getting on the right bus. You may also need support dealing with your bank, paying for shopping or reading signs.
To make a claim
Call Social Security Scotland on 0800 212 2222 or visit www.mygov.scot/pension-age-disability-payment. Our Pension Age Disability Payment guide provides more information. Call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 for a copy or to ask for advice.
Adult Disability Payment
This is the benefit in Scotland for working-age adults living with a disability or condition. You do not need to have a diagnosis to qualify.
To claim, you must need help with daily living or mobility because of your mental or physical health. You must have needed this help for at least 3 months and expect to need it for at least another 9 months.
There are separate components for daily living and mobility. You may be awarded one or both components, depending on your needs. Both components have a standard rate and an enhanced rate.
For 2026/27, these are:
Daily Living Component Mobility Component
Standard rate: £76.70
Enhanced rate: £114.60
Standard rate: £30.30
Enhanced rate: £80.00
You can claim Adult Disability Payment no matter how much you have in income, savings or capital. The payments you get are not taxable and you can choose how you spend the money. You do not have to spend it on getting care or support.
How to apply
The application process has two parts:
• Part one asks for your personal details
• Part two asks about different situations of daily living and mobility. There is a list of statements for each situation. You will need to choose the statement that best describes how you manage in that situation.
You will also need to provide documents showing you have medical or support needs. For example, a prescriptions list or a letter from your doctor.
To support your application, you can also provide a statement from someone you know about how your condition or disability affects your daily life. This could be a medical professional or someone else in your support network.
If you are awarded the mobility component, you may be able to use the payment to lease a car, electric scooter or powered wheelchair. For more information, see our Adult Disability Payment guide.
Adult Disability Payment
Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
Anyone who was previously receiving Disability Living Allowance in Scotland should now be receiving Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.
Your payment amount should be the same as before but will now be paid by Social Security Scotland instead of the Department for Work and Pensions.
Anyone who was born after 8 April 1948 and is receiving Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance can choose to apply for Adult Disability Payment instead.
If you have been given this option, you should book a free benefit check. This will tell you which benefit will be best for you in your situation. Call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.
Support for unpaid carers
Carer Support - Scotland’s carer benefit
Carer Support is financial support for people in Scotland who provide at least 35 hours per week of unpaid care to someone claiming an eligible disability benefit. Carer Support is managed and paid by Social Security Scotland.
The cared for person could be living with dementia or they could need support for another reason. Examples of eligible disability benefits include:
• Pension Age Disability Payment or Attendance Allowance
• the middle or highest rate care component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment
• the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment
The 35 hours per week could be spent making sure the person is safe at home, or supporting them with practical tasks such as washing, dressing, shopping, cooking or taking medications.
There are three elements to Carer Support. These are:
• Carer Support Payment
• Scottish Carer Supplement
• Carer’s Additional Person Payment
The income of the person providing care or support must be below a certain amount to receive any payments. This includes income from State Pension. Even if their income is too high, they may have an underlying entitlement to Carer Support. This can provide help in other ways. See our Carer Support guide for more information.
Claiming Carer Support can reduce the income-related benefits of the person being cared for. It is therefore important to get advice before making a claim. Call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 and ask to book a benefit check.
To claim Carer Support
Contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or visit www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment/how-to-apply.
Practical support for unpaid carers
Unpaid carers are also entitled to a free Adult Carer Support Plan from their local council. This provides tailored support including practical help and support for their well-being.
For more information about support for unpaid carers, see our guides:
• A Guide for Adult Carers in Scotland
• Unpaid Carers of People Living with Dementia: Know your rights!
For copies, call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 or visit age.scot/information. A Guide for Adult Carers in Scotland Unpaid Carers of People Living with Dementia: Know your rights!
Help with rent and Council Tax
People with a severe mental impairment may be exempt from paying Council Tax. This can include people living with dementia. You will need to contact your local council to apply for the exemption. A medical professional will need to sign the application.
There are also other situations where you can get help with Council Tax. This includes if you have low income and low savings. You may also qualify for Housing Benefit to help towards rent. You will need to contact your local council to apply for Council Tax help and Housing Benefit.
People who get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit can get Housing Benefit and help with Council Tax no matter how much they have in savings.
For more information, call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 or see our Benefits Maze and Help with Council Tax guides.
Managing your benefits
Changes in circumstances
It is important you tell the department that pays your benefit if your situation or details change. For example, you should tell them if you move house or go into hospital. You should also tell them if your needs change.
If you do not tell them about a change, you could be paid the wrong amount. You must pay them back if you are paid too much, and you could be charged interest. You could also be investigated for fraud.
Help to manage your benefits
If you want help to manage your benefits, you will need to set this up. There are different ways to do this depending on the type of help you want or need.
Third party representatives
If you would like help to communicate with the benefits office, you can ask someone to be your representative. This is sometimes called a third-party representative.
You will need to tell the benefits office the name of the person you want to be your representative. The person will then be able to check the status of your claim and provide information on your behalf. They will not be able to access your personal details or make any changes to your claim.
You can decide how long they have permission to be your representative. If you want to remove permission, just call the benefits office to let them know.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone (or more than one person) to make certain decisions on your behalf. It ensures someone you trust will be able to act on your wishes if you cannot do this yourself.
You must set up a Power of Attorney while you can still make and understand this decision. A solicitor must agree that you understand what the decision means. For more information, see our Guide to Power of Attorney in Scotland or visit www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk.
Appointees
You might need an appointee if you cannot manage your affairs and have not set up a Power of Attorney. An appointee can manage all parts of your benefit claim.
Your appointee can be a trusted friend or family member. It can also be a professional, such as a solicitor or social worker. They will need to apply to be your appointee. The process depends on which department pays your benefit.
• Social Security Scotland - call 0800 182 2222 or tick the option on the benefit application form
• Department for Work and Pensions - call the number on your benefit letters or visit www.gov.uk/become-appointee-forsomeone-claiming-benefits
• Local council - call the number on your benefit letters or visit www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Our Help to Manage Your Money and Benefits guide provides more information. For a copy or further advice, call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.
Help to manage your money and benefits
A guide to Power of Attorney in Scotland
Care and support at home
Most people living with dementia will at some point need support to live safely at home. This support can help you carry on living in your own home for longer.
There can be a long waiting list, so it is important to ask for support in good time. Contact your local council’s social work department and ask for an assessment of your care needs. You should tell them if you are already struggling to keep yourself safe, so they know your needs are urgent.
A social worker, occupational therapist or health professional will visit you at home. They will talk with you about how you manage daily tasks. They will also want to speak to anyone who currently provides you with support.
You will be given a care plan listing the help they feel you need. This could include visits from carers, special equipment, adaptations for your home or support from services in the community.
If your care plan says you need personal or nursing care, you should not need to pay for this. You can ask the council to arrange this care, or you can ask for a budget to arrange it yourself. Having this choice is called Self-Directed Support
You may need to pay for other services in your care plan, but the council should arrange these for you if you want them to.
For more information, see our Care and Support at Home guides.
Useful contacts
Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222
The Age Scotland helpline provides information, friendship and advice, to older people and their relatives and carers.
If you need an interpreter, simply call the helpline and state the language you need, e.g. Polish or Urdu. Stay on the line for a few minutes and we will do the rest.
You can also call the helpline for a copy of our publications list or any of our guides. To read, download or order guides online, visit www.age.scot/information
Alzheimer Scotland
Provides a range of support services for people living with dementia and their families, and campaigns for their rights.
Provides free and confidential advice on issues relating to welfare, including rights and benefits.
0800 028 1456 / www.cas.org.uk
Age Scotland Dementia
We are Age Scotland’s Dementia team (previously called About Dementia).
We aim to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their unpaid carers.
We work alongside people with lived experience of dementia to shape the policy and practice that matters to them.
Visit age.scot/dementia for more information.
Our dementia training team also runs free workshops covering topics such as understanding dementia, living well with dementia and the rights of unpaid carers.
www.age.scot/dementiatraining 0800 12 44 222
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