“In terms of the big financial burden, it was a stress that I didn’t need."

We deliver financial support for people of all ages. Children and adults may be eligible for a disability benefit if they are disabled, have a long-term health condition or terminal illness.  

Support includes Adult Disability Payment for people aged 16 and over and Pension Age Disability Payment for people of State Pension age. Dementia does affect some children and Child Disability Payment is also available to families.  

Disability payments are not means tested. In other words, a family’s income and savings don't affect eligibility. Someone doesn’t need a formal diagnosis to apply for a disability benefit.  

These payments provide extra money to help with the additional costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability, like travel to appointments 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. 

Unpaid carers often provide essential support to a family member, friend or neighbour who has dementia, and may also be eligible for social security support. 

Carer Support Payment, Carer Additional Person Payment or Young Carer Grant can all help with some of the additional pressures that caring can bring. 

Geraldine is a carer from Burnbank in South Lanarkshire. She looks after her mum, who has Alzheimer’s. 

She says: “It is quite tough. Being a single mum as well, I juggle everything – trying to support my kids, support my mum, and also working part-time. 

“With my mum’s diagnosis, it has been quite a rapid decline. I find myself in looking after her every day, apart from Thursday and Friday when I'm at work. 

“In terms of the big financial burden, it was a stress that I didn’t need. 

“But with the help of social security, I managed to apply for Carer Support Payment, and that has helped. It was easy to do. I didn’t come across any hurdles whatsoever.” 
 

To find out more about all our social security support visit: Benefits - mygov.scot 

We also have resources for our stakeholders and partners to use on their social media channels and newsletters: Resources - Social Security Scotland 

For more information on national support and local community groups and support in your area visit: Alzheimer Scotland - Home