Introduction to paying for care in Buckinghamshire

Your personal budget should be enough to meet your needs and there should be at least one option that fits your budget. If there is no suitable care provider able to meet your needs within your personal budget, the budget will be adjusted.

You can pick more expensive care than your budget allows, but you have to pay the extra. The difference in cost is called a top-up. A third party can pay your top-up.

Top-up payments are calculated based on the difference between the care home costs and the amount the Council has agreed to contribute.

• can the person paying the top-up sustain the payments long-term?
• the care home may increase its fees each year, so you need to review your financial situation regularly

If your top-up payments become unaffordable, you may need to consider alternative care options or get advice from us.

Yes. Whoever is paying the top-up will need to sign a written agreement which states:

• that they are willing and able to meet the difference in cost, and
• that they will continue to do so throughout your care.

This agreement is also signed by the Council.

You can only choose a higher cost care provider if the person paying the top-up can pay the extra cost for as long as you need care. Otherwise, you will need to pick a cheaper option that fits your personal budget.

The person paying your top-up must contact adult social care as soon as possible so that a social worker can be allocated to help find suitable alternative care arrangements.

Telephone: 01296 383 204
Email: [email protected]