Charging

Unlike health care, social care is not usually free. It is usual for people in receipt of adult social care to contribute towards the cost of their care.    

Local authorities can choose to charge people who receive social care support, and most local authorities do charge. In England, the Care Act 2014 sets out what local authorities need to consider when assessing a person’s finances to see how much a person can reasonably afford to pay towards their care costs. Further details about how and what local authorities can charge can be found in the Care and Support Statutory Guidance which accompanies the Care Act.    

There are two types of care that can be charged for: residential care and non-residential care. The amount you may have to pay towards your care will depend on the type of care you receive. Residential care, is long term care provided in a care home.  

On this page you will find a selection of resources relevant to this topic. For more information, resources and guidance, why not visit AccessAva? 

Resources

Factsheet SC113: Financial charges for care - Here you will find information around when financial contributions are likely to have to be made for care and support as well as when the local authority must not charge. 

Template Letter SC79:  Letter to request a copy of financial statement –  this letter can be used to request a copy of someone’s most recent financial assessment, where there is concern about changes that have been made to social care charges.

Template Letter SC104: Request for consideration of DREs - This letter is a Request for consideration of disability-related expenditure for a person with care needs.