Support for people living with dementia
This Dementia Awareness Week (2 – 8 June 2025) we’re raising awareness of the support available for people living with dementia and their carers.
In Scotland it’s estimated that 90,000 people are living with dementia, with around 3,000 of those under the age of 65 years.
Social Security Scotland delivers financial support for people of all ages living with a long-term health condition, disability or terminal illness. This includes Adult Disability Payment for people aged 16 and over and the newly available Pension Age Disability Payment for people of State Pension age. Neither payment is means tested - income and savings are not considered when determining eligibility.
These payments provide extra money to help with the additional costs of living with a long term health condition or disability, like more expensive transport and higher energy bills.
For people living with dementia, this money may help buy specialist items, like an alarm to remind someone that their food is ready or to alert family members if a person has left the house.
Agnes Parry, Health and Social Care Education and Development Lead at Social Security Scotland, said:
“We understand the impact dementia can have on a person’s life which helps us make decisions based on the person’s care needs. People do not need a diagnosis to receive disability payments.
“Applications should explain the type of extra support the person needs. This can be for everyday tasks such as preparing food, washing and bathing, doing activities at home and outside and taking medication. They may need attention both day and night to help keep them safe.
“We can also provide help with completing applications. We have advisers at the end of a phone, colleagues based in local communities who can provide face to face support, and we can help to source supporting information from professionals such as day care centre managers to assist applications.”
Unpaid carers are often providing essential support to a family member, friend or neighbour who has dementia, and may be eligible for Carer Support Payment or Young Carer Grant.
Gerry King who founded the charity Stand in Fife, was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 55. He added:
“Our charity is facilitated by people living with dementia and their friends and families. Our aim to enable and empower people with dementia to live as well as they can. Whether you are worried about dementia yourself, know someone or are caring for a loved one who is worried about dementia, it’s important that you know that you are not alone. There is help at a local or national level for everyone touched by dementia – whether it’s emotional, social or financial support.”
To find out more about all our social security support visit: Benefits - mygov.scot
We also have free resources for our stakeholders and partners to use on their social media channels and newsletters.
Stakeholder resources:
Pension Age Disability Payment
For more information on Stand in Fife and the help available visit www.standinfife.org
For more information on national support and local community groups and support in your area visit: Alzheimer Scotland - Home