Introduction to paying for care in Buckinghamshire

1. We will check what care and support you need, through the care assessment.
2. We will make a care and support plan with you.
3. Then we will see how much money you have and how much you can afford to pay for your care and support.
4. The assessment will look at your income, savings and property to work out how much you may need to pay.
   1. If you need care in your own home, we won’t include the value of your property
   2. If you need to move into a care home, we may include the value of your property

Before the financial assessment, it will be easier if you have the following details ready:

• savings in bank accounts, building societies, ISAs or premium bonds
• stocks and shares you own
• property or land you own (including any abroad)
• earnings
• the cost of housing (mortgage or rent payments)
• pensions
• benefits (including Attendance Allowance or PIP)
• personal details
• next of kin details (spouse, children)
• the cost of any disability related expenditure. For example, this may include.,
  • special equipment maintenance
  • mobility costs
  • extra personal care

• If you have savings or capital valued more than £23,250, you will be expected to meet the costs of your care.
• If you have more than £14,250, but less than £23,250, we will charge £1 per week for every £250 of savings you have above £14,250
• If you have less than £14,250 you will still be assessed to see what you may have to contribute towards your care.

You or your loved one may have difficulty managing their money due to certain needs. This is called 'capacity' to manage and understand finances. If this is the case, a professional can assess capacity, and specific support can be provided.

You do not have to tell us about your finances if you do not wish to. This is called ‘non-disclosure’. You would still be entitled to the same care, but you would not be eligible for help with the costs, and you would have to pay the full cost of your care.

Before you choose to not have the financial assessment, it could be worth using this calculator to see how much you could have to contribute.

If you fall below the capital threshold of £23,250 you could be eligible for financial support.

The Calculator will estimate the maximum you might be asked to contribute each week. You will not be charged more than the actual cost of services provided to you.

No, if you would like to and can afford to pay for your own care costs, then you will need to sign a document stating this and agree to the Council's terms.

Even if you are paying for your own care, you can ask for a financial assessment at any time. This is especially important if you feel your financial circumstances are changing, or your funds are depleting. You can contact your social worker to arrange this.

We understand that you may be cautious about sharing your financial information. But we keep your information safe and ensure that it is not misused or taken without permission.

Council employees who handle sensitive information are given training and have regular refresher training on data protection and GDPR. We also have strict policies and procedures for anyone handling your data.

If you are worried about giving us your data, you can talk to your social worker, and they will explain more.