Money You Can Get to Help

Available for Everyone

Some financial help is available for carers and people who have dementia, regardless of how much money they have as income or savings (i.e. it is not means tested). This includes:

Council Tax Reduction

Anyone with a severe mental impairment, including dementia, who lives alone and receives an appropriate disability benefit (such as attendance allowance, or the higher or middle care components of disability living allowance), is entitled to exemption from paying any council tax. If the same criteria apply but you live with one other adult, they can claim a 25% reduction on the council tax.

To contact your local council tax office:

• Oxford City Council 01865 252870
• Cherwell District Council 01295 227000
• South Oxford District Council 08456 122422
• Vale of White Horse District Council 0345 302 2315
• West Oxon District Council 01993 861040

More details can be found in the Alzheimer's society factsheet Council tax.

Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance

Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are non-means-tested and tax free benefits, relating to disability (e.g. dementia).

Attendance Allowance is for those who claim when they are aged 65 or over. Disability Living Allowance is for those who claim when they are aged under 65 (but can then continue to be paid whatever the individual's age).

Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are both paid at different levels, depending on the person's level of mobility, and care needs.

A medical is not normally required, but having help to fill in the claim form may be beneficial.

For more information choose from the following links:

• Disability Living Allowance - general information
• Disability Living Allowance - rates and how to claim
• Attendance Allowance - including current rates
• Alzheimer's Society Welfare benefits factsheet
• Age UK Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance

Time for Carers Funds

Carers' Special Grant money is administered through the carers centres in Oxfordshire to provide various funds.  For example, to enable carers to take a break from caring, or to purchase small items of equipment to provide peace of mind.

Contact Oxfordshire Carers Centres.

Banbury and District Short Term Support Scheme

Banbury and District Branch of The Alzheimer's Society are willing to consider any request for practical help which would improve the quality of life of the person with dementia.

The Short Term Support Scheme is a small fund that is available to people living in Banbury, Chipping Norton and the surrounding villages.

Contact details to enquire about the Short Term Support Scheme are available on the Banbury and District Branch website.

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Last updated: 4th October 2011