Benefits
Depending on your financial situation you may be entitled to different benefits.
These are the non-means tested benefits:
- Personal independent payment PIP
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance DLA
There are also a range of means tested benefits which include:
- Universal Credit
- Employment Support Allowance
Applying for benefits can be confusing. If you require assistance in understanding these, you can access free support through Carers Trust Hillingdon.
Legal considerations
Lasting power of attorney (LPA)
Many people with dementia will reach a point where they can no longer make some decisions for themselves. This is known as lacking 'mental capacity' to make those decisions. When this happens, someone else - often a carer or family member - will need to decide on behalf of the person with dementia.
A Lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal tool that lets you choose someone (or several people) you trust to make decisions for you. This person is referred to as your 'attorney', and you can choose what decisions they can make for you.
All LPAs must be registered at the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before they can be used. The OPG is a government body that is responsible for the registration of LPAs.
If you don't feel able to complete the forms online, Alzheimer's Society offers a digital assistance service.
Power of attorney (POA)
Once you have a diagnosis of dementia, it is important to plan ahead and think about getting a power of attorney (POA) in place as soon as possible whilst capacity is not an issue. This covers not only your financial choices in the future but also decisions regarding your health and care choices.
Please note: A POA has a standard registration fee.
If you are comfortable completing it on your own you can do so at power of attorney (POA.
If you need help, various organisations in Hillingdon can support: