Direct Payments Factsheet
A2: Paying for social care services
If you agree to receive a service from the council, it’s important to know that most individuals will be expected to contribute towards the cost of their care and support.
How much will I have to contribute?
The amount you may need to contribute will depend on your financial circumstances. The council will carry out a financial assessment asking for information about your:
- Income
- Outgoings
Capital & savings
A benefits and assessment officer will assess your finances, calculating your assessable income after deducting certain outgoings and disability related costs. For more information about the amount, you may have to contribute towards the cost of your care and support, you can contact your local benefits and assessment team.
What if I do not want to be financially assessed?
If you decline to have a financial assessment or cannot provide the necessary information, the council will assume you can pay the full cost of the service. This will mean the council won’t be able to support you in setting up a Direct Payment, and you’ll need to make your own arrangements to pay for your care and support.
When will I begin paying my contribution?
The assessed contribution amount is payable from the start date of your service.
How will I pay my contribution?
Once the financial assessment is completed, the benefits and assessment officer will inform you of your required contribution towards the cost of your care and support.
Anyone who agrees to receive a Direct Payment will need a dedicated bank account specifically for the sole purpose of receiving the direct payment. It’s important to arrange for your assessed contribution to be paid into this dedicated bank account on a weekly or 4 weekly basis.
Can you buy less care and not pay your contribution?
You will undergo a financial assessment to determine how much you can afford to pay towards the cost of your care. The contribution is the first portion of funds used to pay for your care and support, before the direct payment funding is utilised.
If you choose to use less support, your care needs will be reassessed to determine the appropriate level of support. Additionally, you will be financially reassessed to determine the contribution for your new care package.
What if you disagree with the amount of contribution you are asked to pay?
When you agree to receive a direct payment, you must sign an agreement with the council detailing the terms and conditions. One condition is to pay your assessed contribution into your direct payment bank account. If you are unhappy with the financial assessment, contact your local benefits and assessment team.
However, you must continue to pay your assessed contribution into your direct payment bank account. This contribution is the first part of the money spent on your care and support. If it is not paid into the direct payment bank account, you will not be able to cover the cost of your care and support.
Failure to pay the contribution may be considered a breach of the agreement and the council may stop making further payments. If the benefits and assessment team agree to change the amount you are assessed to contribute and you have overpaid, the council will arrange for the overpaid amount to be refunded to you.
