If you have more than £22,250 in capital (2008/9 rate), or if you do not want to tell us what capital you have, you will normally pay the full cost of your care.

If you have less than this capital limit then, in most cases, you will have an assessment of your finances.

If you are moving into permanent care and leaving your home, its value may be counted as capital. However this will not happen if your partner lives in it, or if an elderly or disabled close relative lives in it.

Even if nobody else lives in your home you may still be able to get some help from the Council. The value of the property may be disregarded for 12 weeks. The Council may also provide financial help on a temporary basis and reclaim this when the property is sold. You would need to discuss this with a Care Manager or Social Worker.

How the Assessment Works

One of our Finance and Benefits Assessors (FABA) will make an appointment to come and see you or your relatives so that they can record information about your finances.

Firstly the FABA will calculate your total weekly income. They will then deduct a ‘Personal Allowance’ amount . This figure is set by Government each year. In 2008/9 it is £21.15. The rest of your income would normally go towards the cost of the care.

If your financial circumstances change, you will need to let us know so that we can recalculate what you have to pay.

For information about charging for home care see Financial Assessment - Home Care

For details of charges for other services see our Charges Leaflet

Age Concern England and Help the aged produce factsheets - available via the links on the right