There are two things we need to take into account when deciding whether you qualify for help from us in paying for residential or nursing care:
- the first is based on a Adult Social Care assessment
- the second is based on your ability to pay for some or all of your residential or nursing care.
Everyone has to pay something towards the cost of their care unless they qualify for Continuing Health care.
How do we work out what you must pay?
- If you have more than £22,250 in capital you will have to pay the full cost of your care.
- If you have less than £13,500 in capital you will not have to pay anything from your capital towards your care. You will still have to pay towards your care from your income.
- If you have between £13,500 and £22,250 you will have to pay towards your care using both your capital and your income.
What happens if you receive a state pension?
If you receive a basic state pension of up to £87.30 per week, your individual circumstances may affect the amount you get such as if your national insurance contributions are not up to date.
Your state pension will be needed to pay towards your cost of your residential or nursing care. Although, you will be left with £21.15 personal allowance each week.
What is a third party payment?
A third party contribution is a payment made to a residential or nursing home on your behalf. Where we are contributing to the cost of your care, we only pay up to a certain amount.
For example:
Council contribution (includes your personal contribution) = £405
Third party payment = £195
Total cost of private nursing care = £600
You can choose a more expensive residential or nursing care home if a relative, friend or charity pays the difference. This is a known as a third party contribution and is paid directly to the home.
Under current legislation as a client, you are not allowed to pay a third party contribution yourself. This is because you have already been financially assessed, and so you cannot top up your residential or nursing fees. In some circumstances (where there is a deferred charge) you can be your own third party. Your Care Manager can advise you about this
What if I own property?
For the first 12 weeks of your stay, the value of your property is not taken into account. During this period, the council will only ask you to pay a contribution based on your savings and income.
After week 12, we will assess your finances including the value of your home. This will determine how much you pay towards your care in the future. In some circumstances, the value of your property is disregarded for longer, e.g. if your spouse still lives in it. Your Care Manager can advise you about this.