Financial assessment process

The financial assessment is a means-tested process that determines how much you must pay towards the cost of your care and support.

The Council follows a Fairer Charging Policy, the Care Act 2014 and care act and support guidance to determine how much, if anything, you are asked to pay for your care.

If you cannot afford the whole amount of the total cost of your care package, your financial assessment will work out what you can afford, and the Council will pay the rest if necessary.

Steps in the financial assessment process

1. Referral for financial assessment

if you are assessed as needing care and support, the Council will conduct a financial assessment to determine how much you must contribute towards your care
Adult Social Care will let the Financial Assessment team know that a care package is being discussed with you. They will refer your details to the Financial Assessment team
the Financial Assessment team will start to investigate the various data systems they have access to, to start to work out what you must pay towards your care package
one of our Financial Assessment officers may also contact you, or the person acting for you, over the phone to discuss your finances

2. Providing financial information

You will be asked to provide details about your financial situation, including:

income (for example, wages, rental income. We will be able to find out about benefits and pensions from the DWP)
savings and capital (for example, bank accounts, investments, property ownership)
expenses and allowances (for example. disability-related expenses, mortgage/rent payments)

3. Calculating your contribution

the Council will assess your financial situation and apply allowances and disregards (such as minimum income guarantee) to ensure you have enough money for daily living
if your savings and assets exceed £23,250, you will be required to pay the full cost of your care (self-funding), and direct payments will not be an option
if your savings are below £23,250, you may be eligible for council support, and your required contribution will be based on your income and expenses

4. Outcome and notification

You will receive a written statement detailing:

whether you must pay some of your care costs
the amount you must pay
how payments should be made

If you disagree with the outcome, you can request a review.

5. Ongoing reviews and changes

Your financial assessment may be reviewed annually and also when DWP benefits increase each April. If your financial circumstances change (for example. increase/decrease in income, savings) you must report those changes to the financial assessment team in a timely manner.

You must inform the Council of any changes to avoid underpayments or overpayments.

Published on: 18/06/2025