Many people with dementia are missing out on thousands of pounds in DWP benefits due to complex application processes and low awareness, experts warn. Zurich UK highlights that dementia, the UK's leading cause of death, imposes significant financial costs, with mild dementia costing an average of £28,700 annually and severe cases up to £80,500 per year.
Attendance Allowance is one key benefit often underclaimed. It provides £76.70 or £114.60 per week to state pension age individuals needing care. Successfully claiming it can unlock extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reductions. However, many wrongly assume they do not qualify because the benefit is not means-tested.
Peter Hamilton, head of Market Engagement at Zurich UK, said: 'Many benefits are not automatic, meaning that you or your LPA must apply for them, which is a key barrier for people with cognitive impairment.' He noted that people could be missing out on between £1,000 and £5,000 annually in unclaimed benefits.
Hamilton also pointed out that over a third of people with dementia in the UK lack a formal diagnosis, limiting access to support. He suggested an automated system where benefits are triggered based on health records could help remove the burden of applying.
