Funding Your Care

Here at Constantia Care, we understand that care can be expensive.

Here are some options that may assist you in funding the care for your or your loved one.

If you would like one of our advisors to help guide you through the options available for funding your care, please use the contact form and we will call you back.

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Self funding your care

Social care budgets have been stretched for a number of years and the reality is that a high proportion of people are now having to self-fund their own care. As a result, many local authorities have had to raise the “needs bar” for when someone qualifies for funding via social services.

Simply put, if your capital, savings and or income puts you outside the upper means-test threshold of £23,250.00 for local authority funding, you will generally be responsible for paying your own care.  However, there are some scenarios where the NHS may be responsible for funding and there are some occasions when your property, as well as certain types of investments, cannot be included in the means test.
However, with careful planning it may be possible to structure things in such a way that care fees can be paid for the rest of your life – without the worry that the money might run out, while also leaving other investments untouched.

The first step is to think about what your ideal care would be, and then talk to a specialist financial advisor who will discuss all the conceivable options, exploring both the health and financial implications of each, and often creating a previously unthought-of solution.

Expert financial planning helps ease the burden of worrying about your finances at a time that might be both highly confusing and emotionally draining. As everyone approaches the funding of care fees differently, and everyone will have different financial circumstances, personal, tailored planning with a professional adviser is vital. It is important not to dismiss any care options until such advice has been taken.

Such expert planners should be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and should have obtained a dedicated long-term care qualification. For added reassurance, they should also be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked (previously CRB), and therefore cleared to guide vulnerable people.

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Attendance Allowance

This is a tax-free benefit available from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that is not means tested. It is available to those who requires someone to help look after them.

Am I eligible to claim Attendance Allowance?

You can claim Attendance Allowance if you meet all the following criteria:

  • You’re over State Pension age (if you haven’t reached it, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead).
  • You have any type of disability or illness, including sight or hearing impairments, or mental health issues such as dementia.
  • You could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night.
  • You have needed help for at least 6 months. If you’re terminally ill you can make a claim straight away.

 

Rate

Amount per week

Who gets this?

Lower rate

£61.85

You need help during the day or at night

Higher rate

£92.40

You need help during the day and at night, or you’re terminally ill

 

Clients who receive live-in care are eligible for the higher rate of attendance allowance.

How do I claim Attendance Allowance?

To make a claim, you have to fill out the Attendance Allowance claim form. There are a couple of ways to get your form. You can:

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Local Authority Funding

Those with savings or income within the means-test thresholds may qualify for partial funding.

Although this sounds simple, you won’t be surprised to hear that the process can sometimes be a little more complex. For example there are often occasions when someone’s property can’t be included in the means test and there are also certain types of investment that can’t be included either.

The level of funding will depend upon an assessment of needs which is broadly based on the level of assistance you required with daily living activities, such as washing, dressing, preparing meals and taking medication.

If your local authority does pay for some or all of your care, you will be given a personal budget, and it could:

Provide the care directly to you, either through their own staff or through a contract organisation.

Give you direct payments that enable you to buy the services directly with money given to you by the local authority.

There are some items the local authority must provide for free if you are assessed as needing them. These include “community equipment” which means items specifically designed to make daily life easier for you. For example:

  • Manual Handling Equipment
  • Telephones with large buttons or flashing lights
  • Communication aids

The need for this type of equipment will come out of an assessment of your needs. A local authority may have set rules about the type of equipment it will consider supplying, or the level of costs it will meet. If this is the case, you could argue they shouldn’t have blanket policies about the equipment they will provide and should make decisions depending on individual circumstances.

In some case, a local authority may also pay for minor adaptations (costing less than £1,000) to your home. Things like grab rails on the bath or blocks to make the bed higher may be paid for.

For more information on local authority funding of your care, you can check out NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/

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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability.

What is Personal Independence Payment?

Having a long-term illness or disability can make everyday life more difficult. It can affect your income, too – for instance, if you have to give up work or reduce your hours.

If you’re under State Pension age and you’re in this situation, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could give you a little extra money to help you pay for things.

You can spend PIP on whatever you need.

How much Personal Independence Payment could I get?

How much PIP you could get depends on how difficult it is for you to do certain things – such as preparing food and drink, dressing and undressing, or getting around.

PIP has two parts: a daily living component and a mobility component. You might be able to claim one or both components.

Daily living component

Weekly rate

Standard

£61.85

Enhanced

£92.40

Mobility component

Weekly rate

Standard

£24.45

Enhanced

£64.50

PIP is gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, if you were born before 8 April 1948 and you’re already currently claiming DLA, you can continue to do so.

Am I eligible to claim Personal Independence Payment?

You might be eligible for PIP if you’re under State Pension age and you need help with daily living activities, getting around, or both.

PIP eligibility isn’t based on your National Insurance contributions and it isn’t means-tested, so how much you earn or how much you have in saving doesn’t make a difference.

If you’re awarded PIP before you get to State Pension age, you’ll continue to receive it afterwards, too. You can still make a claim if you’re working.

How do I claim Personal Independence Payment?

To make a claim, you need to fill out the PIP claim form. There are a couple of ways to get a form. You can:

  • call the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777). They’ll ask you for some basic information and then send you a claim form.
  • write to ‘Personal Independence Payment New Claims’. You’ll be sent a form to provide some information before they send you the claim form.
  • It’s important to be aware that it can take longer to get a decision if you start your claim by post.

If you need any help with filling out the form, contact your local Age UK.

Once you’ve submitted your form, your claim will be assessed by a healthcare professional. You might have a face-to-face assessment as part of this.

You’ll get a score based on how much help the assessment shows you need. This determines how much PIP you might receive.

You’ll then be informed of the outcome of your claim. If your claim is turned down, you can challenge it. If you need advice, contact your local Age UK.

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Council Tax Allowance

Council Tax Support (also known as Council Tax Reduction) is a benefit to help people who are on a low income or claiming certain benefits to pay their Council Tax bill.

How much Council Tax Support will I get?

There is no set amount of Council Tax Support. What you get depends on your circumstances and where you live.

Each local council is responsible for operating its own Council Tax Support scheme so the amounts of support given across the country may vary.

Wherever you live, the amount of Council Tax Support you get depends on many factors, including:

  • which benefits you receive
  • your age
  • your income
  • your savings
  • who you live with
  • how much Council Tax you pay.

You may get more Council Tax Support if you receive a disability or carers benefit.

If you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit you may even get your Council Tax paid in full. If you don’t get Guarantee Credit but you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help.

If you’re not over State Pension age, the Council Tax Support you’re entitled to is worked out under ‘working age scheme’ rules. Check these rules with your local council. 

Am I eligible to claim Council Tax Support?

If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you might be eligible for Council Tax Support.

But whether you’re eligible in your area, and what you might be eligible for is ultimately up to your local council. Each council has their own rules so you should check what the rules are in your area.

How do I claim Council Tax Support?

As local councils run their own Council Tax Support schemes, how you make a claim might differ depending on where you live. 

But wherever you live, the first thing you’ll need to do when making a claim is to contact your local council.  

As well as Council Tax Support, there are other exemptions and discounts that might apply to you. You might be able to get money off your Council Tax bill if:

  • you live alone
  • you’re a carer 
  • you or someone you live with has a severe mental impairment, such as dementia or a learning difficulty
  • there are adaptations in your home that make it suitable for someone with a disability who lives there
  • you have another person living with you who isn’t your partner and is on a low income
  • your property is empty – for example, you’ve gone into hospital or moved into a care home
  • where you’re living isn’t your main residence
  • there’s an issue, such as a flood, which may be covered by a discretionary discount offered by some councils.
  • You might also be eligible for a Council Tax rebate. Find out if you could be eligible
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Winter Fuel Payment

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months.

What is Winter Fuel Payment?

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 25 September 1956. It’s designed to help you cover your heating costs in winter.

How much Winter Fuel Payment could I get?

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you could get between £100 and £300 to help with your bills in winter this year. The exact amount depends on your age and whether other people in your household also qualify.

You’ll usually get a smaller payment if you live in a care home or nursing home and don’t get one of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

If you live in a care home or nursing home and you do get any of these benefits, then you’re not entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.

Am I eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you’re likely to qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment in the winter of 2022-23, as long as you were living in the UK during the qualifying week.

The qualifying week is the week beginning from the third Monday in September.

How do I claim Winter Fuel Payment?

If you’ve received it before, you should get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically this year.

If you claim State Pension or another social security benefit (not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, Universal Credit or a deferred State Pension), you should also be paid automatically.

If you don’t receive these benefits – or you live abroad – and you’re eligible for Winter Fuel Payment, you might need to make a claim directly to receive your payment.

Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 to get started. You’ll need your National Insurance number and your bank or building society details to hand.

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Independent Financial Advice

This is to support people to continue to live at home.

This is to support people to continue to live at home.


Your assets must be less than £23,250.00, however this does not include your home.  
Receive the highest rate of Attendance Allowance

For advice ring: 0800 144 8848

Website: Getting financial advice – Citizens Advice

Ideally liaise with someone who belongs to SOLLA – The Society of Late Life Advisers

Contact Us

Constantia Care Ltd

Building 3

North London Business Park

Oakleigh Road South

New Southgate

N11 1NP

info@constantiacare.co.uk

0207 624 9966

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