Self-funding advice

We can still support you if you are paying for your own care and support and we will be happy to complete an assessment of your needs. It is beneficial to speak with us about your care and support needs before you decide what care you are going to purchase. This will ensure that you choose an appropriate option to help you maintain your independence for as long as possible, and at a rate that is affordable.

It is important to know that if you choose a service that you are unable to afford long term, we may have to discuss alternative options with you, which can sometimes mean you having to change care provider.

There are lots of organisations that can give you advice about funding your care and support costs. You may find Money Helper useful:

www.moneyhelper.org.uk

You may also benefit from seeking independent financial advice to support your decisions. If you do speak to an independent financial adviser, you need to be aware there may be a charge for this service.

We would recommend that the financial adviser is accredited by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or is accredited with the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). To find an accredited member, visit: www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

If you are thinking about care options, you may be entitled to some of the following financial assistance and support, subject to a needs assessment.

Twelve-week property disregard

If your former home is included in your financial assessment but your other capital is less than £23,250, and your income is not enough to meet your care home fees, we may help with the costs during the first 12 weeks of permanent care, provided we agree that care is needed. This is called a twelve-week property disregard period. the value of your home and recovered once your house has been sold or from your estate. This is called a Deferred Payment Agreement.

However, we may limit how much we will pay, and it may affect your entitlement to Pension Credit or Income Support if your property is not seen to be on the market and becomes treated as capital by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

We will charge interest on Deferred Payment Agreements. There are also various other costs involved in setting up an agreement and for settling the agreement. However, these amounts will only ever be charged to cover our costs and not to make a profit.

Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payments

These are examples of benefits that are non-meanstested, non-taxable benefits from the DWP paid at a standard rate for those needing care by day or night, and at a higher rate for those needing care both during the day and night.

Everyone who needs care can, and should, claim these benefits. If we are contributing towards the cost of your care for a permanent placement in a care home, then Attendance Allowance will stop being paid.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free benefit. The rate you get comprises two parts. How much you get depends on how your disability or health condition affects you. DLA is no longer open to new claimants. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is replacing DLA for people aged 16-64, even for those with an indefinite or lifetime DLA award. If you were 65 or over on 8th April 2013, you can continue to get DLA if you were already receiving it.

For further information, visit: www.gov.uk and search for ‘Disability Living Allowance’ or ‘Personal Independence Payment’.

Deferred Payment Agreements

After the twelve-week property disregard period, any financial help from us will be charged against

NHS Nursing Care Contribution (NCC)

Whether you are a temporary or permanent resident, if you live in a care home that provides