Unlike NHS services, which are mostly free at the point of delivery, social care services provided or arranged by the local authority are means tested through a financial assessment.

We will only talk about a financial assessment when we are clear that you have care and support needs that are eligible for support from the council under the Care Act 2014. We will understand if this the case from our earlier conversations with you.

People often ask how much they may need to pay towards their care before we assess them. We cannot confirm this without a full financial assessment, but we can let you know whether you are likely to qualify for financial support.

What happens during a financial assessment

The financial assessment will look at what savings, capital and income you have to find out what you can afford.

When we speak to you, we will ask about your:

• earnings and other income
• pensions
• benefits, including Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• savings
• property, including property you own overseas
• disability-related expenditure (extra money you spend because of a disability or long-term condition)

We will not ask about:

• the value of your personal possessions
• life insurance policies

How to prepare for a financial assessment

It helps to have your information ready before the assessment. This includes details of:

• savings in bank accounts, building societies, ISAs or premium bonds
• stocks and shares you own
• property or land you own

We recommend that you also make a list of any disability-related expenses so you remember to tell us about them.

The value of your home

The value of your home will not be included in the financial assessment if you receive care while living at home.

If you are moving into a care home, the value of your home will usually be included unless the property is disregarded. 

If you cannot sell your home straight away, you may be able to apply for a deferred payment arrangement.

After the assessment

Once we have reviewed your finances, we will write to you with details of:

• the total cost of your care
• how much you will need to pay towards it
• how much we will pay towards it

This is referred to as your personal budget.

If you do not qualify for help with costs, you will be responsible for paying for the full cost of your care.

How to receive your personal budget

You can choose how to receive your personal budget. You can use one or both of these options:

• a direct payment paid into a separate bank account
• care arranged by us with a regular bill for your contribution

Giving away money or property before an assessment

Giving away money or property, or spending it on purpose before a financial assessment may not reduce what you have to pay. We can ask about assets you owned in the past. If we decide you have deliberately reduced your wealth, this could affect whether you receive financial help.

If you refuse a financial assessment

If you refuse to complete a financial assessment with us, we will assume that you are not eligible and will be paying for your own care in full.

If your circumstances change

If your income, outgoings, savings or capital change, contact us to check whether this affects how much you pay.