Paying for your own care

If you are applying for care and support from the Council for the first time, Direct Payments should be discussed with you, so you are aware of your options. You will need to make sure that you keep the right paperwork and evidence so you can stay on top of your spending in a clear and simple way. This helps the Council make sure that your needs are being met and helps to prove it is making the best use of public money to support people.

Direct Payments are paid directly into an account solely for this purpose and there is the option of a Just Credit Union Account, which can make accounting easier. When you have a Direct Payment, you will be paid an agreed amount of money towards the support you have chosen. If you are assessed to financially contribute towards your care, you will be required to pay your contribution into the same account.

For more information, visit www.shropshire.gov. uk/direct-payments-in-adult-social-care or email

Direct.Payments@shropshire.gov.uk

Individual Service Funds

An Individual Service Fund is money paid on your behalf by Shropshire Council to a suitable support provider or care agency of your choice. If you are assessed as being able to contribute towards the cost of your care, the Council will send you an invoice for your contribution every four weeks.

As part of your support plan, you will decide and agree on how the support provider or care agency will deliver your care and support. Although the agency is paid a fixed amount to meet your support needs, you are in control of how your support is provided. Nothing is set in stone, and you can always change your mind later on.

Council Managed Funds

The Council Managed Fund is similar to the Individual Service Fund but is not as flexible. Once your support plan has been agreed, the Council will work with you to choose the most suitable care package for your needs and will manage your care budget to ensure you receive the level of support you require.

For more information on organising your support in this way, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk (search ‘Council-managed fund’).

If you have capital or savings of more than £23,250, you will have to pay for any care services you require. In these circumstances, Shropshire Council refers to you as a ‘self-funder’. You are still entitled to an assessment of your care needs, and you can receive information and advice on available services through First Point of Contact or by visiting www.shropshire.gov.uk (search ‘paying for your own care’).

You may also be entitled to some of the following financial assistance and support, subject to your needs and financial assessment.

Twelve-week property disregard

If you own your home and are assessed as needing a care home or care home with nursing on a permanent basis, the Council will help with the cost during the first 12 weeks of permanent care in a home. The 12 weeks starts from the date you have agreed to move into the home. You will be assessed for your financial contribution during this 12-week period. Please note that if you have been in a care home for more than 12 weeks, the period has expired.

This is called the ‘property disregard’ period. This applies if:

• Your former home is included in your financial assessment.

• Your other capital is less than £23,250.

• You have been in a care home for less than 12 weeks.

• Your income is not enough to meet your care home fees.