Non-residential care

If you are eligible for any financial assistance towards the cost of your care from us, this will be paid directly to your care service provider. We will also pay the care service provider the amount you are required to pay (your assessed charge), and will then invoice you for this amount. You need to repay us this amount.

You will receive an invoice from us every four weeks. Each four-week period is called a ‘service period’.

Every person is treated individually for purposes of a financial assessment. This means that we will assess only the income and capital of the individual who is undergoing the financial assessment. This approach applies in all care settings. Jointly owned assets, income and expenses will be divided equally when assessing your finances; unless you inform us otherwise during the financial assessment or via email/letter and provide evidence as proof of your share.

When you undertake a financial assessment this will determine if you are eligible for any financial assistance from us and how much you will have to pay – your assessed charge will be based on your income, including any welfare benefits, and any capital you have.

How and when do I pay for my services?

Unless you qualify for full financial assistance you will be liable to pay for some or all of your services.

From when am I liable to pay my care and support costs?

You are liable to pay for your care and support from the date you start to receive chargeable services.

Will the amount I am assessed as being able to afford ever change?

Yes. Financial assistance is strictly means-tested, so if your own financial circumstances change, the level of financial assistance you qualify for will also change from the same date.

What must I do if my financial circumstances change?

You must report any changes straightaway about the money you have coming in, or changes in your savings and investments, or the money you pay out. Any changes may affect the amount of financial assistance you qualify for. If you do not report changes as they happen, you may be overpaid financial assistance which you will have to pay back.

Failure to report a change in circumstances, or deliberately withholding financial information, or any deliberate attempt to claim more assistance than you qualify for is fraud.

A yearly review of your financial assessment will also be carried out to take into account any increase in welfare benefits and pensions you receive, and any changes to money we can ignore.

When will I get my first invoice?

After your services start, your first invoice may take some time to be issued, but it will be backdated to the date your services started. It will include charges for all services as detailed in your care and support plan.

Will I be refunded if I cancel my services?

Our invoices are based on the units of care in your care and support plan. If you do not receive all these hours and have provided your care provider with the correct amount of notice, you should let us know so that your account can be reviewed. Our contact details are on the invoices you will receive.

If you decide you no longer need the services arranged for you, you must inform Adult Social Care. You will still be charged for your services until a social worker decides reviews your circumstances and changes or amends your care and support plan. This may include a notice period.