Who pays for care?

As a carer there are some services you receive that you may have to pay for. You will not be charged for the services provided to the person you care for.

Assessing your needs

It's important to remember that the amount of assistance you may be able to get to help you with your caring role does not depend on the amount you can afford. Your needs will be looked at in a needs assessment and then your local Trust will work out what you can afford from a financial assessment.

This will usually be done soon after or at the same time as the needs assessment. You can choose not to have a financial assessment but then you will have to pay the full amount for all the care.

Financial assessment

Your local Trust will complete a financial assessment to work out how much you can afford to pay towards some services. This will be based on your income and your capital. Your income is all the money you have coming in each week. Examples of income include:

• interest from savings
• a private pension
• your State Pension
• benefits, which can include Carer's Allowance at the Trust's discretion
• salary/wages if you are working

Your capital can include land and buildings (but not the value of the home you live in) and savings. You should make sure that you are claiming all the benefits that you are entitled to as your contribution will probably be worked out as if you are getting them. For more information talk to the social worker who works with you, or the person that carried out the needs/financial assessment.

What might I be charged for?

There are a number of services that you might be charged for. These include home help and meals.

What can't I be charged for?

You cannot be charged for

• help and advice, for example filling in forms
• advice and equipment from the Trust's occupational therapists
• Domiciliary care

How do I pay for care?

Most Trusts allow you to pay by monthly direct debit. This is used when the same amount of care is used regularly. If your circumstances or needs change, contact your local Trust and they will adjust the amount you pay.