Charging Check

The following questions will help you understand if you are likely to have to contribute to your care. They are intended as guidelines only and you will need a full financial assessment to establish the level of your financial contribution.

What services do we not charge for?

You will not be charged if you only receive a single service which counts as a preventative service from the following:

• Bathing equipment
• People who suffer from Creuzfeldt Jacob Disease are exempt from charges irrespective of their financial circumstances.

What services do we charge for?

• Personal and domestic care (includes hourly and 24 hour care packages)
• Direct Payments
• Putting to Bed
• Home Shopping
• Home bathing
• Cleaning (heavier housework only)
• Escorting
• Laundry
• Community alarms (includes key holding service)

If you receive any of the chargeable services listed, the Q&As below will help you understand whether you are likely to be required to contribute towards them.

Q.1 Do you want to disclose your income?

If you do not want to tell the Council about your income then you will have to pay the full charge. This is because without any further information, we are unable to calculate your likely charges. If you are happy to disclose your income, then go to Question 2.

Q.2 Are you on income support by itself, without any other benefits?

If you are on income support, you will need to give us your permission to check your details on the DWP/Pensions Service database. Once we have confirmation that you are on income support, you will not be required to pay any charges towards your care. If you are not receiving income support, then go to Question 3.

Q.3 Do you have savings over £23,250?

If you do have savings over £23,250 you will need to contribute the full charge to your care which is £14.50 per hour of care you receive. If you have savings under £23,250 you are likely to be charged but will require a full financial assessment so we can calculate how much. If you receive up to four hours of home care services a week, the most you would need to pay is £14.50 per week. If you receive more than fours hours a week, the most you would pay is £14.50 plus £12.30 for every additional hour.

For more information

Contact Home Care Charging Team, 15th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP

Phone: 020 7641 3378

Fax: 020 7641 2557

Minicom: 020 7641 7844