Navigating the Funding Maze

More people face paying the full price for their residential care after the government opted to freeze charging thresholds for a ninth year in a row.  The upper and lower capital limits, which determine who must pay the full cost of their care and how much others should pay from their assets, will remain at the same level in 2019-20 as they have done since 2010-11.  The lower and upper capital limits will remain at £14,250 and £23,250 respectively in 2019-2020.

Residential Care

Individuals with less than £14,250 in assets (in most cases, including any property) do not have to pay for their residential care from their assets.  Residential care fees may be paid for by the local authority, though individuals must contribute to this from their income (including state benefits but excluding earnings).  Individuals are left with a weekly personal expenses allowance of £24.90 per week.

If an individual has assets of over £23,250, the upper capital limit, they must pay the full cost of their residential care.

Community Care Services

Individuals with over £14,250 will be assessed to contribute towards their care and support.  A fairer charging assessment will be completed by the Local Authority to calculate this contribution.  For individuals with over £23,250 they will have to pay the full cost of their care.

Individuals with over the capital threshold are termed ‘self funders’ and Local Authorities often do not have the capacity to assess their needs and find suitable care and support services to meet these needs.

The Care Advice Centre is an Independent Social Work consultancy service.  We are experienced social workers who can assist you to navigate the complex care system.  We can provide independent assessments of need and help you to find suitable care and support to meet your needs.

Services offered by the Care Advice Centre:

·         Advising, assessing for and arranging care and support in the community or residential placements

·         Support with hospital discharges

·         Support with hospital discharges under the Mental Health Act and support at tribunals

·         Support with benefit applications

·         Review of care and support needs

·         Visiting services

·         Certificate providers for Lasting Powers of Attorney

·         COP3 and mental capacity assessments

·         Applications for NHS and Continuing Healthcare and support with appeals

·         Case management

·         Expert witness reports

Please contact us on 07764480565 to discuss any of our services.