Charging for community care
Most people who receive adult social care support in their community will need to pay something towards that care.
We have a policy which sets out charges that apply to people receiving adult social care support to remain living independently at home.
Under the the community contribution policy, we charge for adult social care support as authorised under the Care Act 2014.
Anyone with capital over £23,250 or with available income more than the cost of their care will have to pay all their care costs. Everyone will have a financial assessment to see what they will be asked to contribute. What people pay towards the cost of their care and support is different for everyone and sometimes there may be no charge.
To work out what you will be asked to contribute we need to know what income and capital you have along with any other costs such as council tax, rent or mortgage payments that are not already met by benefits.
The value of your home will not be taken into account but any other property which you own or part own, will be included. We need this information so that we can accurately apply the rules and make sure you do not pay more than you should.
The financial assessment ensures your income is protected at the relevant minimum income guarantee level. We will also further protect people by disregarding 10% of any income eligible for charging purposes, after any allowances or deductions in respect of either housing costs or disability related expenditure. A standard weekly £20 disability related expenditure disregard is applied but people can request a higher amount to be considered if they feel their expenses are higher.
If you are new to adult social care support, please use our online financial calculator where you can submit all your financial information, including supporting documentation, for review by our finance team.
We will accept screen shots of financial information as long as it is clear and visible but will not accept slips obtained from an ATM which just give a balance.
The self-assessment will also give you an indication of the amount you may be asked to pay as well as other advice and assistance to help you to claim any appropriate benefits.
Complete a financial self-assessment
The amount you need to pay will be confirmed in writing when your self-assessment information and evidence has been reviewed.
Free services
The following services are provided for free. Clients who receive these services will not be required to make a contribution while they receive them:
- assessment and reablement services
- services fully funded by the NHS under the continuing health care provisions
- after-care services provided under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act
- services, or a direct payment, received following a carer's assessment
- services received for clients who are terminally ill and have under £23,250 in capital or who cannot meet the full cost from their eligible income
Small pieces of equipment, such as toilet seat raisers, grab rails, perching stools, are also provided free of charge.
Who the policy applies to
It applies to most people receiving long-term adult care support in the community.
We realise the important contribution carers make to supporting family and friends. Where services are provided following a carers' assessment we do not require a financial contribution from the carer.
Find out more
If you'd like any further information, please contact us, email financial.assessments@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 532231.
Accessibility
The documents on this page may not meet accessibility standards, if you require any in alternative formats, email asch.adultcare.policy@derbyshire.gov.uk.