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Adult Social Care Contributions Policy 2024 6. Financial assessment for community based services

Following a care and support needs eligibility assessment, the Council will carry out a financial assessment to see if a person can contribute towards their care and support that is to be delivered in their home and other community settings. The following services will therefore be financially assessed according to this policy:

  • Homecare
  • Supported living
  • Shared Lives services
  • Day care services – both community and site based
  • Befriending
  • Respite stays
  • Reablement and enablement following a period of up to 6 weeks of free service
  • Housing-related support services

The financial assessment considers a person’s income, capital and appropriate expenses. Where appropriate capital is above the upper limit, the person will pay the full cost of the care. Capital is explained in section 8 of this policy. 

Where capital is below the upper capital limit the basic principles of the financial assessment calculation are: 

Income LESS Minimum Income Guarantee, Eligible Housing Costs & Expenses, Disability Related Expenditure = Net Available Income for Charging

The Council will ensure that the financial assessment process provides adults with sufficient funds to cover basic needs such as food and housing costs. This amount, (which is known as the ‘Minimum Income Guarantee’), is set annually by the Department of Health and Social Care, prior to the start of the new financial year. Although a standard Minimum Income Guarantee will apply in most cases, we do recognise that there may be individual circumstances that may mean a person needs to keep more of their income. 

If an adult incurs additional expenses due to their disability, additional allowances can be given to reflect the additional cost. The “Adults Support Plan” should identify disabilities or medical conditions, that indicate that additional allowances should be given. 

“Disability Related Expenditure” (“DRE”) is applied based on a standard allowance approach, with an option for an individual assessment. A graduated scheme is in place linked to percentage based on disability benefits received. 10% DRE component is applied against each of the three rates detailed below:

  • Care Component Lowest
  • Care Component Middle Rate
  • Care Component Highest Rate

An individual assessment will be considered, when DRE costs greater than the above, on an exception, evidenced based and case by case basis. Receipts may be requested for all items/ services when a reassessment of charge is carried out or there is a dispute in the amount of any DRE allowed. 

If there is a duplication of care being provided privately and by the Council, no DRE will be given for that particular service item. If the adult requests any additional items and/or services, be included in the assessment after the financial assessment has been undertaken and the adult has been advised of their weekly contributions, receipts and supporting evidence will be required. 

The net available income for charging will be the maximum level a person may be asked to contribute towards services. An adult assessed with no available income for charging purposes will not have to contribute towards the service.