Factsheet 413 Benefits for people affected by dementia July 2025
Benefits for people affected by dementia
This factsheet is for anyone affected by dementia who wants to know more about the benefits they may be eligible for. It includes information about the main benefits available in England and Wales with guidance on how to claim them.
In Northern Ireland, there are not many differences to the benefits available. The Department for Communities (DfC) manages benefits in Northern Ireland – go to www.nidirect.gov.uk or contact the Make the Call service to check what you may be entitled to (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28 for details).
Please note: The government is reforming the benefits system. If you are concerned about the reforms, contact our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or find your local welfare rights adviser at www.advicelocal.uk/find-an-adviser
1 Who can claim benefits?
Dementia can affect your financial situation. If you have a diagnosis or are caring for someone, you may be able to get help from the government.
Benefits provide extra income for: people on low incomes people with a disability (which could be due to dementia) and additional costs related to this people who are unable to work people who are caring for someone else.
Benefits check
A good place to start is to have a benefits check. This can give you an idea of the benefits you may be able to claim and who you need to contact.
The following organisations provide online calculators where you can check what you may be entitled to: Age UK (benefitscheck.ageuk.org.uk) entitledto (entitledto.co.uk) Policy in Practice (policyinpractice.co.uk) Turn2us (turn2us.org.uk).
The estimate of how much you could get is only based on the accuracy of the information you put into the calculator.
Sometimes, getting one benefit may increase your entitlement to another benefit, or it may prevent you from claiming something else. Therefore, it can help to get advice on your specific situation. This will ensure that making or transferring a claim will leave you better off.
A local welfare rights adviser can carry out a benefits check either face-to-face or over the phone. Organisations may offer pre-planned or ‘drop in’ appointments in a local location on particular dates. This is particularly useful if you don’t feel able to complete a benefits check online, your circumstances are complicated, or you aren’t a British citizen.
You can also get help from the welfare rights team at your local authority. They will be able to advise or tell you where to access support to claim benefits. Find yours at www.gov.uk/find-local-council
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The following organisations also provide information on benefits. You’ll find their contact details in ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28.
Advicelocal have a postcode search to find welfare rights services in your area – visit www.advicelocal.uk/find-an-adviser
Age UK
your local Citizen’s Advice.
Qualifying for benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for the State pension and benefits. It provides information about benefits and claim forms for England and Wales. It is organised as follows:
Type of benefit
benefits for people of working age (including Universal credit)
State pension and other benefits for people at State pension age
disability benefits
Carer’s allowance
Who organises it?
Jobcentre Plus
Pension Service
Disability Service Centre
Carer’s Allowance Unit
tax credits and benefits relating to children His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Local Jobcentre Plus offices should also stock information, leaflets and claim forms. For contact details relating to the relevant benefits, see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28.
To qualify for any benefit, you will have to meet certain conditions. These vary according to the type of benefit. Some benefits depend on: whether you’ve paid or been credited with National insurance contributions over a period of time the amount of your savings and weekly income (known as ‘means-tested’ benefits) the effects of a disability or condition on your daily life or mobility
whether you are subject to immigration control (a Citizen’s Advice adviser can help with specific queries relating to your status)
where you are living or being cared for – see ‘Your benefits in hospital or a care home’ on pages 25–26.
2 Making a claim
Different benefits are claimed in different ways, including: filling in the relevant forms and sending them in the post phoning a contact centre – where an adviser will complete the form and send it to you to sign and return completing an online form on the government website (www.gov.uk). For example, Universal credit must be claimed online unless you aren’t able to do so. Citizen’s Advice has Help to Claim advisers who can provide support with this.
Don’t delay making a claim. Some benefits can start on the day you first make contact to say you want to claim the benefit, whether you do this in person, by letter or by phone.
The government needs to know details about your situation to make decisions about your benefit claim. It can help to gather information that you’ll be asked about, such as: Council tax details your bills (for example, rent, mortgage, childcare and heating) details of existing benefits and pensions (including those for anyone living with you)
income – including income from your partner (if you have one)
savings – any savings and investments you or your partner may have, including properties other than your main home.
You will usually need to send in your claim form by a particular time. It may ask for evidence you don’t yet have, such as a letter from your doctor. You can explain on the form that you will send it later.
If you don’t manage to return the claim form in the time given, your claim may be cancelled. If you have good reason for the delay, get some advice from an organisation providing information on welfare rights (see ‘Benefits check’ on page 1) and appeal against this.
Some benefits can be backdated (claiming for an earlier period) if you were eligible before you made the claim. You will usually need to ask the DWP department in charge or make a backdated request on the claim form for this to happen.
If you have a disability and you are unable to claim benefits any other way, the DWP offers a home visiting service to help with benefit applications. To access this, contact the claim line for the benefit you wish to claim and request a home visit (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28).
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Keeping records of your claim
When making a claim, it can be hard to keep track of all the information you’ve been given and who gave it to you. It’s best to keep notes of the main points of conversations, including: the benefit you’re claiming which organisation you are claiming it from the name of the person you spoke to the date when the conversation took place.
Keep any letters or forms you receive, and make copies of the ones you complete and send back. You may need these if there are delays with processing your claim. If your claim is refused and you want to challenge the decision, you may also need to show copies.
Keep all the relevant details with you if you want to discuss your claim over the phone or in person. It can help to arrange your documents in order of date.
Challenging a decision
Many people receive the benefits they are entitled to with no problems. However, if you believe your claim has been incorrectly turned down, or that you have not been awarded the right amount of benefit, you have the right to challenge the decision.
To challenge a decision, call or write to the relevant office for that benefit. Ask them for a ‘mandatory reconsideration’, explaining why you are challenging the decision. If you are claiming Universal credit, you can do this using your online account. You can also download, complete and print out a mandatory reconsideration request form from the government website (www.gov.uk).
You can ask for a reconsideration if any of the following conditions apply:
You think the office dealing with your claim has made an error or missed important evidence. You disagree with the reasons for the decision. You want to have the decision looked at again. Some decisions can’t be reconsidered – if yours can’t be, your decision letter will say this.
If the office does not change its decision after a mandatory reconsideration, you may be able to apply to an independent appeal tribunal. Information on how to appeal will be sent to you with the result of the mandatory reconsideration. You can appeal online or by post.
You normally need to ask for mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date of the decision. If the decision isn’t changed, you normally have one month to appeal. Your appeal may be accepted later than this if you have good reasons for the delay.
Challenging a decision can be complex and you might need to be persistent. Seeking advice as soon as possible can really help. Ask your local Citizens Advice or welfare advice centre (if you have one). Your local authority may also have a welfare rights unit.
How to complain
If you have a complaint about how your claim was dealt with, tell the office you have been communicating with as soon as possible. This is whether or not you are challenging a benefit decision. You can contact them by phone, in person or in writing. Use the contact details at the top of any letters you have received.
When you contact an office, it will help if you include: your National insurance number your full name, address and contact numbers what happened, when it happened and how it affected you what you want to happen to put things right.
If you aren’t happy with the response, you can ask for the complaint to be sent to a senior manager to review. They should respond within 15 working days. If you still aren’t happy after the DWP complaints team’s final response, you can ask the independent case manager to look at your complaint.
Managing benefits on a person’s behalf –appointeeship
If someone is not able to manage their benefits themselves, another person can be chosen to receive their benefits on their behalf. This person is known as an ‘appointee’.
If you have dementia and someone else is prepared to act on your behalf, they should contact the relevant DWP department for that benefit and request an appointeeship assessment (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28). If you are the person’s carer you might do this.
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The DWP will arrange a visit to assess the suitability of a potential appointee. Ideally, the appointee should be a close relative who lives with the person with dementia or visits them regularly. In certain circumstances, the appointee might be a friend, neighbour or professional, such as a solicitor. If a person lacks the mental capacity to manage their benefits and doesn’t have someone who can act as an appointee, their local authority should be contacted.
An appointee is responsible for making and maintaining benefit claims. They will receive payments on the person’s behalf, to be used in the person’s best interests. The appointee is also responsible for reporting any changes in the person’s circumstances to the DWP.
Appointeeship is only used to manage the person’s benefits. If the person has other assets (such as savings or property), there are other ways that these can be managed on their behalf, such as a Lasting power of attorney or deputyship.
For more information, see factsheets 472 Lasting power of attorney (England and Wales) and NI472 Enduring power of attorney and controllership (Northern Ireland). See also factsheet 530 Deputyship
Information in languages other than English
You can ask for an interpreter if you’re calling the DWP to ask about a benefit. The service should either put you in touch with a staff member who can interpret, or arrange for another service to do this.
You can also ask the relevant office for written translated information or contact Citizens Advice for more information (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28).
3 Disability and care benefits
If you have dementia, you may be entitled to a disability benefit. However, having a diagnosis doesn’t automatically qualify you. You may need to have an assessment to understand your individual needs.
These benefits can provide extra help to manage the practical impact of a disability. For example, this could be extra support with personal care.
These benefits are not means-tested (payment is not affected by your savings or income). They are tax-free and do not depend on National insurance contributions.
The disability benefit you claim depends on your age at the time of application:
Attendance allowance (AA) if you are over State pension age
Personal independence payment (PIP) if you are under State pension age.
Pension age is increasing in stages to 67 by the year 2028. For more information, see the government website (www.gov.uk).
Anyone who receives PIP before they reach State pension age will continue to get it after they reach State pension age, as long as they are still eligible.
If you claimed Disability living allowance (DLA) as an adult, you will remain on that benefit unless you are asked by the DWP to change. You cannot claim AA or PIP in addition to this.
Disability benefits are paid at different rates depending on your needs. They can be claimed whether or not you work, and whether you live alone or with other people.
It’s important to ask for advice if you are already claiming one of these benefits and your needs change.
Claiming disability benefits
The claim forms for PIP and AA are long and very detailed. They include questions about the activities that you find difficult or impossible to carry out, and about your need for care and supervision. When answering these questions, think about the days when you need more help as well as the days when you don’t need as much. It will help your claim if you can provide supporting evidence such as information about medication, care plans or medical reports from your doctor.
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If your condition varies over time, it may be useful to keep a diary of symptoms and needs over a few weeks to include with your claim.
Attendance allowance
Attendance allowance (AA) can be claimed by someone with a disability, over State pension age and who needs supervision or help with personal care. You can still be eligible for Attendance allowance if you have difficulties with personal care but nobody assists you.
Personal care needs might include support with: washing dressing eating going to the toilet turning over or settling in bed taking medication avoiding danger doing social activities.
Lower and higher rates
Attendance allowance is paid at either a lower or higher rate. The one you get depends on the level of help you need.
To be paid the lower rate, you must meet one of the needs outlined in the table below (either during the day or night).
To be paid the higher rate, you must have at least one of the day needs as well as at least one of the night needs.
Needs during the day Needs during the night
needing frequent attention in relation to bodily functions (such as washing, going to the toilet, eating or taking medication)
needing continual supervision to avoid harm to yourself or others
Making an AA claim
needing prolonged or repeated attention
needing another person to be awake for a prolonged period or at frequent intervals to watch over you to avoid putting yourself or others in danger
You normally need to have met these conditions for six months before applying. However, if you’ve been told by the doctor you probably have 12 months or less to live, there’s no qualifying period and you get the highest rate automatically.
Personal independence payment
Personal independence payment (PIP) has two parts – a ‘daily living’ part for everyday tasks and a ‘mobility’ part for getting around. You will be assessed on how you manage different activities, and scored on how difficult you find them.
Daily living part
Ten activities are assessed for the daily living part. These include: preparing food dressing and undressing communicating verbally.
You may qualify for the daily living part of PIP at one of the following levels:
standard rate – if you have a limited ability to carry out daily living activities safely enhanced rate – a higher rate of pay if you have severely limited ability to carry out daily living activities safely.
Mobility part
There are two activities assessed for the mobility part: planning and following journeys moving around.
You may qualify for the mobility part of PIP (in addition or instead of the daily living part) at one of the following levels: standard rate – if you have limited mobility, such as difficulties with walking. This can include the ability to plan a journey or manage it without support enhanced rate – if you have severely limited mobility.
Making a PIP claim
When you make a PIP claim, you will be assessed on the activities for both the daily living part and the mobility part. This involves finding out if you can do all 12 activities: safely to an acceptable standard repeatedly (as often as you need to) in a reasonable time period.
You can make an initial claim for PIP by phoning the direct number of the Disability Service Centre (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28 for contact details). This is to start the process and ensure that you are eligible to apply.
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If you meet the basic conditions, they will send you form PIP2 (‘How your disability affects you’). This includes questions about how your condition affects your day-to-day life. Include as much relevant information as you can. This helps the DWP understand what tasks you find difficult and the support you need. This form must be returned within one month. Contact the DWP for more information or to ask for an extension if you need more time.
You will then need an assessment with a healthcare professional. This will either be done face-to-face, over the phone or on a video call. The healthcare professional will often ask you to describe a typical day of your life. Include any things you find painful, and things you can’t do or find difficult. Also include any prompting or support you may need.
Dementia symptoms can vary day to day. Be clear whether you experience difficulties on the majority (over half) of days. You should also include information on any aids you use to help you, such as grab rails, walking sticks or modified cutlery. Even if they aren’t special disability aids, they could still be relevant. If appropriate, you could bring them to the medical assessment.
It’s a good idea to have someone with you during the assessment if possible. You can request an audio recording of your assessment, but you must usually do this in advance.
4 Carer’s allowance
Carer’s allowance can be paid to people who spend at least 35 hours per week unpaid looking after or supervising someone who is receiving:
Personal independence payment (daily living part at either rate)
Attendance allowance (at either rate)
Disability living allowance (care component at the highest or middle rate)
You do not have to be related to, or living with, the person you care for.
Carer’s allowance does not depend on National insurance contributions, but it is taxable and can affect the amount you receive if you claim Universal credit. It gives most carers who are under State pension age a National insurance credit each week to help protect their right to a State pension.
It’s important to discuss with the person you care for and seek advice before making a claim. In some cases, the person being cared for could lose some of their means-tested benefits if Carer’s allowance is paid.
You must be 16 or over to claim Carer’s allowance. You are not eligible for Carer’s allowance if you are in full-time education or studying for 21 hours a week or more.
Carer’s allowance and changes to income
Carers are only eligible for Carer’s allowance if their weekly earnings are £196 or less after tax, National insurance and expenses (2025 rate). If you earn more than this, even by a small amount, you aren’t entitled to Carer’s allowance for that week.
Don’t be discouraged from claiming support that you’re entitled to receive, but do inform the DWP of any changes in your circumstances straight away. This includes any additional hours worked, pay increases and bonuses, even if the change isn’t ongoing.
If you aren’t sure if the DWP has updated your claim to reflect any changes, inform them in writing. You can do this by post or by visiting a Jobcentre Plus office and asking for a receipt.
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Carer’s allowance and other benefits
Some people may be entitled to Carer’s allowance but unable to receive the payments because they already receive another ‘overlapping’ benefit, such as a State pension. Overlapping benefits cannot be paid at the same time. You will receive the benefit that pays the highest rate, but that is not usually Carer’s allowance.
In these circumstances, although you cannot receive Carer’s allowance, you have an ‘underlying entitlement’ to it. Therefore, it may still be useful to you when claiming any means-tested benefit. For example, you may be entitled to additional amounts in other benefits, such as Universal credit or Pension credit.
If you’re a carer who is not eligible for Carer’s allowance but you’re not paying any National insurance contributions because of caring responsibilities, you may be able to claim Carer’s credit (if you care for at least 20 hours per week). This is a National insurance credit rather than a payment, to ensure caring responsibilities will not affect your ability to qualify for the State pension.
The rules for Carer’s allowance and Carer’s credit are complicated. If you are a carer and are unsure about your entitlement, contact Carers UK for advice (www.carersuk.org).
5 Benefits for people of working age
Universal credit
Universal credit has replaced many older benefits (known as ‘legacy benefits’), including:
income-based Jobseeker’s allowance
income-related Employment and support allowance
Housing benefit
Income support
Working tax credit
Child tax credit.
You can no longer claim these six legacy benefits, except Housing benefit in some situations. Always get advice before transferring to Universal credit as you cannot usually reclaim legacy benefits, even if this leaves you with less money.
Universal credit is a payment to help working-age adults with living costs. It is managed by the DWP. You may be able to get it if you are in or out of work.
If you are eligible, Universal credit will top up your income up to a standard amount. This is based on age and whether you are single or live with a partner.
There are extra amounts for children, rent, people who are unable to work and carers.
Universal credit is usually only available for people of working age (under State pension age). However, if you are a couple where one person is under pension age and the other is over pension age, and you need to top up your income, you will need to claim Universal credit instead of Pension credit. Those who already receive Pension credit will continue to receive it.
New style Employment and support allowance (ESA)
New style ESA (sometimes also called ‘contributory ESA’) may be claimed by anyone who is: under State pension age (see ‘State pension’ on page 22), and has limited ability to work because of an illness or a disability.
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You need to have paid enough National insurance in the last three years to be eligible for new style ESA.
It is not means-tested, so any savings you have or income from a partner will not affect your entitlement. However, if your payments from a workplace pension are over £85 per week, this will reduce the amount you get.
Work capability assessment (WCA)
After your initial claim for ESA or Universal credit, there will be a Work capability assessment to decide how your illness or disability affects your ability to work.
The first part of this assessment will look at whether you have a limited capability to work, and therefore qualify for ESA or Universal credit on health grounds. The second part of the assessment will decide what level of work-related activity you can do.
If you can complete some work-related activity (such as training courses or voluntary work), you will be placed in the ‘work-related activity group’ (ESA) or ‘limited capability for work group’ (Universal credit). In these groups, you will be expected to complete activities such as attending interviews at the job centre. During these, you’ll be asked about your condition and your progress with being able to work or look for work.
If you can’t work or complete work-related activity, you will be placed in the ‘support group’ category for ESA. For Universal credit, this is the ‘limited capability for work and work-related activity group’.
Eligibility for ESA or Universal credit can be reviewed regularly. However, you may not have regular reviews if you: have a ‘severe condition’ such as dementia, and have been found eligible for ESA or Universal credit and are in the ‘support group’ or ‘limited capability for work-related activity’ equivalent.
The DWP must carefully consider whether a review is necessary.
ESA is paid at a lower rate for the initial 13-week assessment period. If you are still entitled after a Work capability assessment, it will be paid at a higher rate. The rate will depend on the group you are placed in.
For people in the ‘work-related activity group’, claims for new style ESA are limited to 12 months. If you are in the ‘support group’, new style ESA is not limited to 12 months.
For more information, ask the DWP or Citizens Advice about reviews of ESA and Universal credit (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28).
Statutory sick pay
Statutory sick pay is paid by employers to employees below pension age who are unable to work due to illness.
It is paid for up to 28 weeks in any one period of sickness that lasts for four days or more. In most cases, you won’t get Statutory sick pay for the first three days that you aren’t able to work.
Statutory sick pay is paid at a flat rate and is taxable. To qualify, you must be employed and earn a set amount or more each week before tax.
If you know you will still be unable to work after 28 weeks, you can start a claim for new style ESA up to three months before the end of your Statutory sick pay. Your employer will need to complete the SSP1 form. The ESA payments will then begin when your Statutory sick pay ends.
Organisations have their own policies for sick pay. This may or may not include a higher rate of sickness pay for a limited period.
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6 Help with urgent and short-term costs
If you’re struggling financially, there are specific costs you can get help with. Payments to cover exceptional costs, such as Cold weather payments, Winter fuel payments and funeral costs, are available from the Social Fund. This is a department of DWP.
Cold weather payments
Cold weather payments are paid if the average temperature in your area falls – or is forecast to fall – to zero degrees celsius or below, for seven days in a row. This is usually for the period from the start of November to the end of March. These payments are made automatically if you are receiving some means-tested benefits including Pension credit and Universal credit.
Winter fuel payments
If you are over State pension age in the qualifying week (for 2025, this is 15–21 September), you will automatically receive a Winter fuel payment to help with your heating bills. Winter fuel payments are currently between £100 and £300, depending on your circumstances.
If your individual income is over £35,000, you are not eligible for a Winter fuel payment. You can either opt out or it will be recovered later through HMRC.
For more information, contact the Winter fuel payment centre (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28).
Funeral costs
If you have to pay for a funeral, you may be able to claim payment towards reasonable costs if both of the following apply to you: you are the closest surviving relative, and you are receiving certain benefits (such as Income support, income-based Jobseeker’s allowance, income-related ESA, Universal credit or Pension credit).
It is important to check your entitlement before making arrangements. You can claim up to three months after the funeral. The funeral payment often has to be repaid from the assets of the person who has died.
Short-term living costs
If you are finding it difficult to pay for food, bills or household items, you may be able to get short-term help.
Contact your local authority to see what’s available in your area, such as:
a welfare assistance scheme or household support fund in England
Discretionary support in Northern Ireland the Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales.
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7 Help with housing costs
You may qualify for help with your housing costs, including Council tax, if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.
Support for mortgage interest (SMI)
If you are a homeowner, you may get help paying some of your mortgage interest if you are entitled to any of these benefits:
Pension credit
Universal credit
Income support
income-related Employment and support allowance
income-based Jobseeker’s allowance.
This will depend on the circumstances of the people living in your home. It will only be given as a loan, which must be repaid. There is a 13-week wait for payment from the time you claim for people under pension age. If you are over pension age, you can receive help immediately.
The DWP will charge interest on the SMI loan, meaning you will pay back more than you borrowed. Try to get advice on comparing your options. If you are struggling with mortgage payments, speak to your mortgage provider as soon as possible. Shelter can also provide some information and advice (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28).
Housing benefit, housing costs element and Local housing allowance
Housing benefit helps people to pay for rent. It is assessed and paid for by local authorities. The amount of benefit will normally depend on the person’s income and savings, and the rent amount. Unless you claim Pension credit, you will not be eligible for Housing benefit if you have savings over £16,000.
You can no longer make a new claim for Housing benefit unless you have reached State pension age or are living in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. If you are working age and can’t apply for Housing benefit, you may be able to claim Universal credit instead.
You are entitled to Universal credit if you already receive Housing benefit, and still live in the same local authority area. You don’t need to make a Universal credit claim for this. Instead, you can complete a change of circumstances form. The housing costs element of Universal credit for help with rent is very similar to Housing benefit.
People renting from a private landlord usually have their Housing benefit limited to what is known as the Local housing allowance rate. This rate can be found on your local authority’s website or you can look it up at lha-direct.voa.gov.uk
Housing benefit and Universal credit are also ‘capped’ (limited) for working-age tenants under the Benefit cap. Benefits should not be capped for people receiving DLA, PIP or Carer’s allowance, or for those in the ESA ‘support group’.
If you live with a partner, only one of you should apply for Housing benefit. However, your income and savings will be considered jointly and other adults living with you may affect the amount of Housing benefit you receive. If you or your partner get AA, PIP (daily living part) or DLA (care component), any non-dependents living with you are not required to contribute to your housing costs.
Housing benefit does not depend on National insurance contributions and is tax-free.
Housing benefit and Universal credit don’t cover Council tax. Help for this has to be claimed separately from the council. See ‘Help with Council tax’ below.
Under-occupancy penalties (‘bedroom tax’)
There is an ‘under-occupancy penalty’ (known as the ‘bedroom tax’) applied to people of working age living in social housing. If it is considered that you have too many bedrooms based on the number of people living there, your Housing benefit may be reduced.
Exceptions can be made in some cases where someone has a disability. Get advice from a welfare rights organisation if this applies to you.
Help with Council tax
Local authorities set Council tax to pay for services they provide. The amount of Council tax support depends on your income and savings, and the Council tax due. If you are under pension age you may be asked to pay a contribution to Council tax even if you are on a low income.
Some people with dementia may be eligible for help with their Council tax regardless of their income, savings or age. They would need to be considered by their doctor to have ‘severe mental impairment’ and be receiving a qualifying benefit. For information on Council tax support and reductions, see factsheet 414 Council tax
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8 Help with medical and NHS costs
There are schemes that may help you to reduce your medical costs. If you live in England, you can buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) which allows you to get unlimited prescriptions during a set period for a set price. It can save you money if you have a number of different prescriptions.
This is available to anyone who prepays, and it is not means-tested. You can buy it online at www.gov.uk/get-a-ppc or by phone on 0300 330 1341.
NHS full help with health costs
Full help with health costs is automatically available if you or your partner get:
Pension credit guarantee credit
Universal credit (under certain circumstances)
Income support
income-based Jobseeker’s allowance
income-related Employment and support allowance.
You’re also entitled to full help if you are named on, or entitled to, an NHS tax credit exemption certificate. You may be entitled to this if you are claiming Working tax credit or Child tax credit, but it depends on your circumstances.
Any dependent children under 20 included on your benefit or tax credit claim are also entitled to the same help.
If you receive these benefits, you may be eligible for: free prescriptions (prescriptions are also free for anyone aged 60 and over, although the government is looking at potential changes to this)
free dental treatment from NHS dentists free sight tests and vouchers towards the cost of glasses (sight tests are also free for anyone aged 60 and over) help with hospital travel costs for NHS treatment.
NHS hearing aids are prescribed by an NHS consultant to anyone needing them, as a free loan. They are fitted, serviced and supplied with batteries free of charge.
NHS low income scheme
If you aren’t eligible for full help with health costs but are on a low income and have savings below a set amount, you can apply for help towards NHS health costs that are usually paid for. This includes dentist or optician services.
The amount of financial help you receive will depend on your household savings and income. You may qualify if you are on a low income and have less than:
£16,000 in savings, investments or property (not including the place where you live)
£23,250 in savings, investments or property if you live permanently in a care home (£24,000 if you live in Wales).
To apply, complete form HC1, which you can get from Jobcentre Plus offices and NHS hospitals. Some GPs, dentists and opticians may also have them. If you live in a care home you can apply on a special short form called HC1 (SC) – ask care home staff for this.
To find out if you may be eligible for help with prescriptions and health costs, visit the online tool – www.gov.uk/help-nhs-costs or ask your GP surgery, pharmacist or hospital for HC11 ‘Help with health costs’ information.
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9 Retirement
If you have reached or are nearing State pension age, the DWP Pension Service will contact you and give you a phone number to call for information. Your situation and queries will usually be discussed over the phone or by post, but the service can arrange for someone to visit you at home if needed. For more information, see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28.
State pension
A State pension is paid to people who reach State pension age if they have made enough National insurance (NI) contributions. It is taxable.
The pension age is gradually rising. It is currently 66 and is set to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
If you have not made enough NI contributions, you may receive a reduced State pension or no pension at all.
It is no longer possible to claim on the NI contributions of a partner or former partner. People over 80 who do not qualify for a State pension or full State pension may be eligible for an over-80s pension, which does not depend on NI contributions.
You can claim your pension if you are still working. However, if you want to, you can defer (delay) your pension and then get a higher weekly pension when you claim it later.
If you are entitled to a State pension, the Pension Service should contact you about four months before you reach State pension age. If you have not heard from the Service three months before reaching State pension age, contact the State pension claim line (see ‘Other useful organisations’ on pages 27–28).
Once you get the letter, you can put in a claim for your State pension online or by phoning the State pension claim line. Claim as soon as you receive the letter or it may not be processed in time.
What is called ‘the new State pension’ was introduced from April 2016, but only for people who reach State pension age on or after April 2016. If this applies to you, your basic pension will be set at a higher level, but you will need a longer NI record of your own. Not everyone will receive the same amount as it depends on their NI contribution history.
If you were born on or after these dates, you must claim the new State pension:
6 April 1951 if you’re a man
6 April 1953 if you’re a woman.
If you were born before these dates, your State pension will be called ‘the basic State pension’. If you are non-binary, the dates for your assigned gender at birth will apply.
If you are below State pension age but unable to work, you may be able to protect your right to a State pension by getting NI credits. These are automatically given to people receiving certain benefits, such as Employment and support allowance, child benefit or Carer’s allowance. Carers who do not receive these benefits may be able to get a weekly Carer’s credit to build up their State pension entitlement (see ‘Carer’s allowance’ on pages 11–12).
You can check your NI record to find out if you have any gaps and if you have been given credits. For more information, go to the government website (www.gov.uk). You might be able to pay voluntary NI contributions if you want to increase your State pension amount.
Gender recognition certificates
The date you become eligible for some benefits and your State pension depends on your gender. This can be concerning for some transgender people. If you have a Gender recognition certificate, your gender will be legally recognised from the date of your certificate. Your social security benefits including pensions will be paid according to the gender on your certificate.
This means that your right to any benefit or pension may change. It may also affect NI contributions, your tax liability, and any benefits and pensions you or your spouse or civil partner receive now or in the future.
Before you apply for a Gender recognition certificate, it’s a good idea to get further information on how doing so in your circumstances may affect your finances. For more information, go to www.gov.uk
Pension credit
If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get the Guarantee credit element of Pension credit. This gives you extra money to help with living costs, by topping up your weekly income.
Whether you’re eligible and how much you may be able to get will depend on your income. Your income will be compared to how much it looks like you need, based on your circumstances. For example, the amount you need will be set higher if you have a disability or you are someone’s carer because you may have additional costs. If you have savings of more than £10,000 this will affect the amount you could get. Both you and your partner, if you have one, will need to be over State pension age.
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Receiving Pension credit may also qualify you for other financial help, such as help with housing costs, council tax and NHS costs. It’s best to get a benefits check because the rules are complicated.
Savings credit is a different type of Pension credit. It provides extra money for people over State pension age who have an income above the basic retirement pension level, or who have savings or investments. New claims are now only accepted for people who reached State pension age before 6 April 2016.
10 Your benefits in hospital or a care home
Some benefits are affected if you have to move out of your home. You might not need to think about this right away, but it’s important to remember if you’re being cared for somewhere else.
Going into hospital
If you have to stay in an NHS hospital for more than a short period, this may affect benefits such as PIP, AA and premiums included in means-tested benefits. Carer’s allowance may also be affected when a person with dementia goes into hospital.
Benefits are usually affected if your stay is for more than 28 days. Stays in care homes and hospitals can be linked if you don’t return home for 28 days between moves. Keep the DWP updated with any stays away from home to avoid overpayments that you may then have to pay back.
If you go into hospital, it is important to inform the Jobcentre Plus office, Pension Centre or DWP Disability Service Centre (depending on the benefits you receive). Contact the correct office for each benefit. Don’t assume information will be passed on. Also remember to let them know when you are discharged.
For information on how benefits are affected by going into hospital, visit www.turn2us.org.uk
Moving to a care home
If you move to a care home, this can also affect your benefits, especially if your stay is permanent.
In the financial assessment to decide how care will be paid for, certain benefits must not be taken into account and you may continue receiving them. These include the mobility part of DLA or PIP. However, if you are in a nursing home, these payments will likely stop.
If you’re fully self-funding (paying for your own care), you will still be entitled to some benefits such as AA, DLA (care component) or PIP (daily living part). If you aren’t fully self-funding, these benefits usually stop after you have been in care for four weeks. Carers’ allowance will also usually stop 28 days after the person you have been caring for moves into a care home.
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If a care home placement is NHS Continuing healthcare (CHC) funded, you are treated as if you are in a hospital and your benefits may be affected, but all care costs are funded by the NHS. For more information, see booklet 813 When does the NHS pay for care?
It’s important to inform benefit providers about changes in your care funding. For information on benefits while living in a care home, see our Paying for care and support factsheets 532 (England), NI532 (Northern Ireland) and W532 (Wales).
Other useful organisations
Advicelocal www.advicelocal.uk
Advicelocal helps you find tailored local advice and support organisations in your area.
Age UK
0800 055 6112 (advice line, 8am–7pm Monday–Sunday) www.ageuk.org.uk
Wales – Age Cymru 0300 303 44 98 (advice line, 9am–4pm Monday–Friday) advice@agecymru.org.uk www.agecymru.wales
Northern Ireland – Age NI 0808 808 7575 (advice line, 9am–5pm Monday–Friday) advice@ageni.org www.ageni.org
Age UK, Age Cymru and Age NI provide information and advice for older people in the UK.
Citizens Advice
0800 144 8848 (England, 9am–5pm Monday–Friday) 0800 702 2020 (Wales) www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to help people resolve problems with debt, benefits, employment, housing and discrimination. To find your nearest Citizens Advice, use the website or call.
Disability Rights UK
0330 995 0400 (general enquiries line) enquiries@disabilityrightsuk.org www.disabilityrightsuk.org
Disability Rights UK is an organisation of people with disabilities working for equal participation for all.
Disability Service Centre www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline
This page lists contact numbers where you can get advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for Disability living allowance, Attendance allowance or Personal independence payment.
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Space for your notes
DWP phone lines on specific benefits
Attendance allowance (also for DLA claimants who are 65+) 0800 731 0122 (8am–6pm Monday–Friday)
Disability living allowance (DLA)
If born after 8 April 1948 – 0800 121 4600 (9am–5pm Monday–Friday)
If born on or before 8 April 1948 – 0800 731 0122 (8am–6pm Monday–Friday)
Pension credit claim line
0800 99 1234 (8am–6pm Monday–Friday)
Pension Service for State pension
For enquiries – 0800 731 0469 (8am–6pm Monday–Friday)
For new claims – 0800 731 7898 (8am–6pm Monday–Friday)
Personal independence payment (PIP)
For enquiries – 0800 121 4433 (9am–5pm Monday–Friday)
For new claims – 0800 917 2222 (8am–5pm Monday–Friday)
For enquiries in Northern Ireland – 0800 587 0932 (9am–4pm Monday–Friday)
For new claims in Northern Ireland – 0800 012 1573 (9am–4pm Monday–Friday)
Winter fuel payment
0800 731 0160 (8am–6pm Monday–Friday) www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Make the Call (Northern Ireland benefit enquiry line) 0800 232 1271 (helpline, 9am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10am–5pm Thursday)
Make the Call provides advice on Attendance allowance, Disability living allowance, Personal independence payments, Carer’s allowance and Carer’s credit.
NHS Help with health costs www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs
The NHS website lists information on getting help with health costs, including phone numbers.
Shelter www.shelter.org.uk
Shelter provides advice on housing issues, such as unsafe or inappropriate housing, and homelessness. They have a helpline, advice pages and a webchat function.
Factsheet 413
Last reviewed: July 2025
Next review due: July 2027
This factsheet has been reviewed by experts and people affected by dementia.
To give feedback on this factsheet, or for a list of sources, please email publications@alzheimers.org.uk
This publication contains information and general advice. It should not be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified professional.
Alzheimer’s Society does not accept any liability arising from its use. We strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, but information can change over time. Please refer to our website for the latest version and for full terms and conditions.
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