In order to find out if you or your family member are eligible for government funding, initial contact will have to be made with Social Services first point of contact – 0345 6789 044.  They will then carry out a free care needs assessment.  If it is determined that there is a definite need for care, a financial assessment will be carried out.  The amount of capital and income you have will determine whether you are eligible for help with care costs.

Capital assets may include:

• Savings
• Investments
• Any property you might own other than the property you live in

Income that will be included:

• Paid earnings
• Interest on your savings
• Private and/or State Pension
• Some benefits like Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance or the care component of Disability Living Allowance

Amount of capital you have                         What help are you eligible for?

Over £23,250                                                      You will be assessed as able to pay the costs for all of the care that is to be provided

Under £23,250 but over £14,250                   You will be eligible for partial funding towards the care that is to be provided

Under £14,250                                                    You will be eligible for full funding towards the care that is provided

If it is decided by the local council that you are eligible for part or full funding, there are different ways in which care will then be organised.

Local Authority Funding

The council will search for a care agency on your behalf and will decide on one based on a variety of factors such as location, availability, price and the ability to provide for specific requirements, e.g. male care workers, specific call timings.

The care that the local authority sanctions will be provided as stated in a support plan and reviewed if changes are needed.

Whether you are eligible for full or part funding, the provider will invoice the local authority.  If you are only eligible for full or part funding, the local authority will expect you to make a contribution, this will be determined based on the level of capital and income you have.  They will then bill you directly for this.

Direct Payments

If you would like to request a specific care agency such as Allcare Shropshire Ltd, you can request that the care if funded by way of a Direct Payment.  The local authority will pay you a set amount of money, usually on a four weekly basis.  The provider will then invoice you directly and you will be responsible for paying these invoices.  You will need to be able to manage this yourself, or with support from someone else.  The advantages of selecting a Direct Payment are:

• More choice and control over how you care is provided
• Increased independence
• More flexibility

If this is an option you would like to pursue, but feel you would be unable to manage your direct payments, an Individual Service Fund is very similar in some aspects and may be more suitable.

Individual Service Fund

If you would like to request a specific care agency such as Allcare Shropshire Ltd, you can request that the care is funded by way of an Individual Service Fund (ISF).

Unlike a Direct Payment, a fixed sum is paid to the provider on your behalf, the provider will then carry out the care outlined in the support plan from the local authority and manage the budget.  If there are cancelled calls, hospital admissions etc, the money will accrue in your account with the provider so can be used for extra care should you need it.

Continuing Healthcare Funding

If you have an ongoing complex care need you may be eligible for Continued Healthcare Funding.  This is funded by the NHS.  This may be suggested by the local authority or by health providers such as hospitals or GPS.  Please click here for more information about NHS continuing healthcare.

Self-funding Care

Before looking at self-funding options, you should make sure that you have exhausted all the local authority and health authority funding options and that you are claiming all the state and other benefits you’re entitled to.

If it is decided that you are expected to pay the full costs of the care you need then you will need to arrange this through us directly. Our costs can be found here.

A costing for your care will be drawn up and pending your approval that the costs are suitable we will commence care.