Introduction to paying for care in Buckinghamshire

The 12-week property disregard is a provision that offers temporary financial protection if you need to move into a care home and you own a property.

For the first 12 weeks of your permanent stay, the Council will not take the value of your home into account when assessing your eligibility for financial support. This gives you time to decide how to manage your property and finances.

After the 12-weeks period, the value of your property will be included in your financial assessment. This could affect your eligibility for financial support from the Council.

You may be eligible got the 12-week property disregard if:

• you are moving into a care home permanently
• you own a property that is normally counted as part of your financial assessment
• your other assets (excluding the property) are below the current capital limits set by the government

During the 12-week period:

• the Council will disregard your property’s value from your financial assessment
• you may still need to contribute to your care costs from other income and savings
• the Council will provide funding based on your other income and savings

The period allows you to explore options such as selling your home, arranging a deferred payment agreement (DPA), or deciding how to fund your care in the longer term.