Please note: if you had a self directed support assessment or review on or after 4 October 2010 and/or a personal budget see our page Paying towards your personal budget.
On this page:
- What is the charge for care in your home?
- Why have a financial assessment?
- Does everyone have to have a financial assessment?
- How we work out what you pay
- How do I pay for home care?
- Can I be excused charges?
What is the charge for care in your home?
The most you can be charged is £12.50 per hour. If you are on low income you will pay less or in some circumstances, nothing at all. If your savings are above £23,250 you will have to pay the full cost of your service.
You will not be charged for any care you have in your home until you have a financial assessment.
Why have a financial assessment?
We need to work out with you how much you will have to pay (not everyone has to pay the full charge for care at home). How much you pay depends on:
- your income and savings
- how many hours care you need
- whether you have a disability
- whether you are single or in a couple
- whether you are a carer.
We will offer you welfare rights advice to claim all the social security benefits you are entitled to. If this is complicated or you need help appealing against the refusal of benefits, we can arrange for the Welfare Rights service to help you.
Does everyone have to have a financial assessment?
No – but if you choose not to have one you will have to pay the full cost of your service. However, you can still have benefits advice even if you choose not to have a financial assessment for charges. Even people with savings over £23,250 can qualify for a number of Social Security benefits.
How do I pay for home care?
Soon after the visit from Adult Care Financial Services you will be sent a payment card. You can use this card at your local post office or Payzone outlet to pay for your home care only.
You will receive a receipt to keep as a record of your payment. We will send you a four weekly statement to tell you how much you have paid. Talk to the Credit Control Team about other ways to pay. Their number is on the back of the statement.
If you lose your payment card contact the Adult Care Financial Services on tel: 0115 977 4749 to get a replacement card.
How often should I pay?
You may want to pay each week you receive the service, but you can pay fortnightly or four weekly if this is better for you.
Can I be excused charges?
You will not be asked to pay any charges if you:
- receive services after being discharged from compulsory psychiatric care
- have Creuzfeldt Jakob Disease
- are assessed for services under the Independent Living Fund (ILF). (You will pay the ILF contribution instead)
- are provided with services which are paid for by NHS. For example when you are treated as a hospital patient and the NHS are paying for your care.
