Unlike the NHS, social care services are not free. How much you pay for your care depends on your income and savings.
Care can be expensive. Most people pay some, or all, of their care costs themselves. If you have investments and/or savings of more than £23,250 you will pay for your own home care. If you have between £14,250 and £23,250 we may be able to make a contribution to your care fees.
If you are going into residential care, the value of your house will usually be taken into account too.
Some elements of care may be funded by the NHS for a short time period following discharge from hospital. You should receive information about this, if it applies to you, as part of the discharge process.
Are you worried about paying for your care?
We understand that due to the current cost of living crisis things may be very difficult at the moment. Nobody should consider having to cancel their care because they cannot afford it.
If you are considering doing this, please contact the our Financial Assessment Team for a discussion to see if they can help in any way.
Tel: 0300 126 3003
The team can look at ways to help you to afford your care. They can check that you are claiming all relevant disability related expenditure and benefits to which you are entitled.
EntitledTo – online benefits calculator
Our benefits calculator will help you find out what benefits you can claim. The calculator is free to use, and the details you provide are anonymous.
How we calculate funding for care
If you are assessed as being eligible for care and support services we will work out how much it will cost to meet your needs.
We will then work with you to understand your financial circumstances. We will carry out a ‘Financial Assessment’ of your income and savings. We will then decide whether the council will make a contribution towards the cost of your care.
The total amount needed to fund your support is called a personal budget.
If you are assessed as needing to pay for your care and support, you will need to start putting money aside for when you receive invoices from the council. Some types of income may not be counted in the Financial Assessment. Such as money from certain disability benefits and pensions, and certain types of capital. This will be explained further at your Financial Assessment.
If you’re eligible for financial assistance to pay for care and support, the council can arrange services for you. Alternatively, you can choose to receive Direct Payments and arrange the services yourself.
Paying for care in your own home
If you are assessed to be eligible for care and support services in the home we will work out how much it will cost to enable you to live the life you want. Most people pay for some, or all, of their care costs. No-one is asked to pay more towards their care than their financial assessment shows they can afford.
Paying for residential care
Independent financial and legal advice
We can provide information about services and our assessment and charging processes. However, we cannot give you financial advice. We recommend that you take independent financial advice when making care decisions.
If you will be paying for care, we strongly recommend that you take independent financial and/or legal advice when making care decisions. You must weigh up each option carefully.
You should choose a financial adviser who:
- can give impartial advice
- can help you make an informed decision
- has experience of providing advice on long term care
Fees for financial advice will vary. Costs should be transparent, make sure you understand how much you will be paying.
You may also need an adviser with a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) helps people find Independent Financial Advisers in their area who specialise in the financial needs of older people. SOLLA members are independently accredited to offer the added reassurance that, as well as holding professional qualifications, they can offer practical guidance to help you make decisions about financing your care needs.
The Citizens Advice Bureau can also advise on local sources of support for financial advice.
Managing money and debt
All money and debt problems can be solved. There are lots of organisations that offer free advice and support. Visit our webpage on money and benefits for more information.
Reduce the risk of needing to pay for care
You can reduce the risk of needing care by:
- staying fit, whatever your age. Information on staying 'Stronger for Longer' on Be Well website.
- taking steps to reduce the risk of falls. Many people are never able to live independently again after a bad fall.
- organising family support
- getting community support
- using equipment and technology that can keep you safe, well and independent