Hi all,
State benefits are a nightmare and there is no easy A4 sheet of paper that can cover everything. Icklebutterfly and Nebiroth both gave a good outline. Some further comments.
Attendance Allowance - most people with AD will qualify for the higher rate, as most of them need some care at night - if only someone on call. Also, yes, you cannot claim it till the person has needed care for 6 months, but that doesn't have to be a formal diagnosis. I took my mum to the doc in September 2006 only to be told she was fine. In Feb 2007 I took her again, and when I made her claim for AA I explained to them in a letter that by Feb 2007 I was having to monitor her behaviour day and night, so I was able to backdate my claim till then, even though she wasn't diagnosed till July 2007. Attendance allowance is not means-tested and is also not taxable, so what you get is what you keep. The person doesn't have to actually GET the help they need, just need it. So if you relly needs to be able to contact you in the night but never does, it is still payable.
Carers Allowance - no you don't get it if you are over state pension age, but claim it anyway, as when my dad was ill it entitled my mum to council tax benefit - over £1,000 a year cancelled! And having a diagnosis of AD - a severe mental condition - also cancels council tax for that person. And opens doors to other benefits.
All else I can add is that when you make these claims, and have to fill in the various boxes, of course be honest, but also be realistic. Think carefully about what help your relative needs and when they first needed it - those of you with relatives still in early stages and without a diagnosis, get yourselves a little notebook and note EVERYTHING down, like "Mum had to ring me this morning to see what time it was, she thought it was afternoon". I thought my mum didn't need help with dressing until I realised she had her skirt on inside-out!
Make no mistake, these benefits will not make you rich or even comfortable. But they might help. Carer's allowance must be the biggest joke the government have ever thought up. Yes, there must be a rethink of how we pay for the care of the elderly, but until there is, make the most of every benefit that is available, and don't feel at all guilty at claiming it. Most of us are doing the job "blind" and saving the taxpayer a fortune. Now I'm a taxpayer (as are lots of you), and so far I haven't seen much use for the huge amount of tax I pay (a couple of wars, maybe?, lets not get too political), but the care of the elderly surely has to be addressed - and soon.
Love to all, and good luck with filling in the forms - if anyone wants any help, just ask.
Margaret