What do you pay for?

Types of support you may need to pay for

Care in your home

• personal care (washing, dressing, medication support)
• meal preparation and daily living support
• support while recovering from illness or injury

Day services and community activities

• supported day centres offering hobbies and social activities
• education and skill-building programs in a supported setting
• transport to and from community-based activities

Linkline Telecare services

• dementia-specific Linkline services are free of charge
• if you have Linkline services for other reasons (not dementia), you will be charged a standard rate unless you already receive other care services from the Council.
• if you are in receipt of other chargeable care services, your Linkline service will be included in your financial assessment
• Private Linkline is available for people who want to purchase the service independently - charges apply.

Equipment and home adaptations

• personal safety alarms
• mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walking frames)
• home adaptations (e.g., stairlifts, ramps, wider doorways)

Care homes and supported living

• residential care homes with 24-hour support
• extra care housing or supported living with on-call assistance
• nursing homes for those with complex medical needs.

Support for carers

• respite care (temporary breaks for carers)
• help around the home to assist the carer
• advice on benefits and local support groups.

Will you be charged for social care support?

Your charge depends on:

• the eligible benefits, other incomes and any capital/savings you may have
• your disability-related expenses, if you have requested a personal assessment. Lewisham Council automatically awards a Standard rate if you are eligible
• the amount of care you receive, if you are assessed to pay the full cost of your care package

A financial assessment will determine how much you must pay for your care.

How the financial assessment works

• after completing a care needs assessment, your social worker will collect basic financial details
• the Financial Assessment Team will assess your income, savings, and expenses
• you may be told straight away if you need to pay the full cost, or if you need to provide additional financial details
• the Financial Assessment team may contact you (or your representative) over the phone to discuss your finances.

How we calculate what you pay

The amount you must pay depends on your savings and income.

• if your savings and capital are above £23,250 (2025/26 rate) you must pay the full cost of your care plus a brokerage fee for arranging it. Direct payments will not be an option
• if your savings and capital are below £23,250, we will determine your contribution based on your eligible income, benefits, capital and savings, expenses, and any assessed disability-related costs

Formula used to calculate your charge

• income - Income Support/Pension Buffer - Disability-Related Expenses (DRE) = net disposable income

You will be charged 100% of your net disposable income towards your care.

Examples of what you might pay

Example 1: fully self-funded

Mark, 72, has savings of £30,000 and a private pension of £280 per week. Since his savings exceed £23,250, Mark must pay the full cost of his care (£250 per week).

Example 2: partial Council support

David, 68, has savings of £18,000, a State Pension of £221.20, and a small private pension of £40 per week. His financial assessment determines he can pay £50 per week.

His care costs £250 per week, so the Council covers the remaining £200.

Example 3: no contribution required

Mary, 80, has savings below £14,250 and a low income. She cannot afford to pay for her care, so the Council covers the full amount.

Who doesn't have to pay?

Some people receive care for free, including:

• people receiving reablement services (for a short period)
• individuals eligible for full NHS Continuing Healthcare funding
• people with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
• those receiving Section 117 aftercare under the Mental Health Act 1983
• people receiving Linkline services specifically for dementia support

Understanding key terms

• net disposable income - your income after deductions for essential living expenses, income support buffers, and disability-related costs
• income - includes state benefits, pensions, and other earnings (but not the mobility component of DLA/PIP)
• Income Support buffer / Pension Credit buffer - a protected amount of money set by the government to ensure you have enough to live on

Updated 2025/26 income buffers

What counts as disability-related expenditure (DRE)?

If you have additional costs related to your disability, you may ask for them to be deducted from your charge.

Examples of DRE

Higher-than-average fuel bills (requires sight of your annual fuel bill).

Specialist equipment insurances(e.g., stairlifts, wheelchairs – proof of cost required).

Extra laundry or cleaning costs (due to evidenced medical needs).

DRE must:

• be related to your disability
• be higher than what a non-disabled person would typically pay
• be backed up with receipts or proof of cost

What if you do not want a financial assessment?

• you do not have to provide financial details
• if you refuse an assessment, you will be charged the full cost of your care
• you can request an assessment later if your financial situation changes

What if you disagree with your charges?

• you will receive a detailed breakdown of your assessment
• if you disagree, you can request a review in writing
• you must continue paying while the review is being processed. If your charge is reduced, you will receive a refund

Breaks in care and changing circumstances

• if your care is paused, your payments may be adjusted
• if your financial situation changes, you must inform the Financial Assessment Team as soon as possible
• annual reviews – You will be asked for updated financial information once a year

Report changes by email: financialassessment@lewisham.gov.uk.

Or by post to Financial Assessment Team, 4th Floor, Laurence House, 1 Catford Rd, London SE6 4RU.

Where to get financial advice?

If you're struggling with care costs, free support services are available:

• Advice Lewisham - 0800 231 5453
• SAIL (Support for Over 60s) - 0207 358 4077, sailconnections@ageuklands.org.uk

More information

• paying for care in your own home