Paying for support

Your contribution towards care services will depend on your income and savings. We'll assess your financial situation to determine a fair amount.

Key points:

• Financial assessment: Providing accurate information about your income and savings is crucial.
• Full payment: If you don't provide the necessary information, you'll be responsible for the full cost of your care.
• Chargeable services: Many care services have associated costs. These include:
  • Day care (outside of residential care packages)
  • Personal care assistance
  • Outreach support
  • Supported living services
  • Time Out services
  • Extra Care Housing

Exemptions: You won't have to pay a charge if you:

• Have Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
• Receive 100% Continuing Healthcare Funding
• Are receiving aftercare under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act

Financial Assessment

Your financial contribution towards care services depends on your income and savings.

• Capital threshold: If your savings exceed £23,250, you may be required to pay the full cost of care.
• Income and savings: If your savings are below £23,250, we'll need detailed information about your income and investments. This includes bank statements, passbooks, and share certificates.
• Additional factors: The financial assessment considers property-related expenses and disability-related costs. It also identifies any eligible benefits you might be missing out on.
• Payment timing: Your contribution starts from the date your care services begin. Providing necessary information promptly helps ensure accurate calculations.
• Affordability: Your contribution will not exceed the actual cost of care or the amount the government determines you can afford.
• Financial statement and invoice: Once the assessment is complete, you'll receive a statement explaining the calculation and an invoice starting from the service commencement date.
• Individual assessments: Financial assessments are done on an individual basis, even for couples, ensuring adequate funds remain after contributions.

Calculating your weekly charge

Your weekly charge will be the lower of the following two amounts:

• Assessed income: This is the amount you've been determined to be able to afford based on your financial assessment.
• Cost of Care: This is the actual cost of the care services you receive.

Understanding assessed income

Your assessed income is calculated by considering:

• Income from all sources: This includes benefits, allowances, pensions, and other income.
• Exclusions: Earnings from employment, charitable income, certain benefits (like winter fuel payments), and specific components of disability benefits are not included.
• Tariff income from capital: If you have savings between £14,250 and £23,250, a portion of this may be considered as income.
• Personal allowance: A portion of your income is exempt as a personal allowance.
• Allowance expenditure: Certain expenses related to your home and disability are deducted.

Cost of Care

The cost of care varies depending on the specific services you receive.

Important notes:

• Non-Disclosure: Failing to disclose your financial information may result in you paying the full cost of care.
• Estimated charges: We can provide an estimate of your potential charge based on your financial information. Contact the Financial Assessment Team at 01782 236620.
• Provider issues: If your care provider fails to deliver services, please notify us. We will review your case and may adjust your charges.
• Reducing care packages: Reducing your care package may not always result in a lower charge.
• Financial hardship: If you're struggling to afford your contribution, you can appeal the decision.