Who will pay for my care?

Understanding the Social Care system can be very confusing once you start to consider if you or a loved one needs care and the primary consideration is invariably, who will pay?

The answer is usually it’s either going to be the local authority or paying yourself in full, or in part. If you qualify for some local council funding, how much you need to pay for your homecare depends on a number of factors, including your income and savings.

How do I begin the process of knowing if funding is available?

Looking for support often starts when people find themselves, or a familiy member, having trouble with everyday tasks such as washing, cooking or getting dressed. If this is happening you can approach your local council for a care needs assessment. The assessment works out what would help you stay independent at home for longer. Assessments are free and available to everyone. Your GP, or district nurse can refer you for an assessment on your behalf.

If you’re in hospital, the staff on your ward can arrange homecare services to make sure you’re safe and properly supported at home, or to help rehabilitate you. A social worker should lead on the planning of your future care and support.

How do I qualify for local council support for my homecare?

If your local council has done a care needs assessment that agrees you’re eligible for care and support at home, they will do a means test to see if the rules say you qualify for local council funding. Be aware this can feel quite invasive and will require you having to disclose your personal financial information including both your income and capital or savings. It won’t consider the value of your home unless you’re going into a care home.

When does the council pay for Home Care fees?

The current rules state that if a person has over £23,250 in capital then they have sufficient funds to pay for their own care.

If they have between £14,250 and £23,250 then they qualify for financial support from the council while they pay a contribution from their income, such as their pension. This is called the ‘tariff income’ and assumes a person has an extra £1 per week in income they can put woward their care for every £250 (or part of) between the £14,250 and £23,250 in capital.

If a person has less than £14,250 the local council are required by law to arrange and fund the care.

Not all income is considered in the means test. Money from some disability benefits and pensions, may not be counted. This also applies to certain types of capital. All other income and capital can be taken into account.

Once all your eligible income is taken into account you must be left with an income of £189.00 per week, if you’re single and above Pension Credit qualifying age. This is known as the Minimum Income Guarantee.

If you’re eligible for financial support to pay for home care, your local council can arrange home care services for you. Alternatively, you can choose to receive direct payments and arrange home care yourself so you get to choose your own provider.

Will the NHS pay for home care fees?

It’s a slightly confusing answer as the NHS is responsible for meeting healthcare needs, but is not responsible for funding a person’s social care. This covers a slightly grey area between what is health care and what is social care.

The requirement for NHS continuing healthcare (CHC), is usually decided by a Multi-Disciplinary Team of health and care professionals who will decide if a person qualifies as being severely ill and in need of care over an extended period. In this case the NHS will cover all of the care fees. CHC Funding is not means-tested, this means that if you qualify, you will not have to contribute to the cost of your care, regardless of any financial resources you may have.

NHS continuing healthcare covers people with a disability, injury or illness and people who may need help with physical or mental health needs. If you have a large number of healthcare needs, ask for a NHS continuing healthcare assessment. In the future, you can request a reassessment for NHS continuing healthcare if your health deteriorates.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your assessment must determine that the primary need you have is a health need. This primary health need must have arisen because of disability, accident, or illness. Just requiring some help to cook or clean yourself is not a health need, having to need the help because you have a disease like MS probably would qualify.

Social care needs are often described as being mainly focused on an individual’s daily living activities. These include eating and drinking, getting dressed, getting up or going to bed, mobilising, washing, or taking medication. This category also covers helping someone stay independent, enjoy social interaction, or maintain family relationships, as well as protecting vulnerable people from worrying situations.