Charges for care and support

We will need to ask you about your income and any capital that you have. This information will be treated confidentially. We will then work out your contribution according to the government rules contained in the Care Act.

You may wish to get independent advice about your finances, and details about this can be found on our managing your money page.

Income

We will take into account any welfare benefits, pensions, earnings and any other income you have, such as from rents or from a trust or other sources.

Capital

The capital we look at is the money or assets you have. This could be:

• property (such as a house)
• land
• national saving certificates
• premium bonds
• stocks and shares
• savings held in cash or in a bank account
• unit trusts
• trust funds

Particular rules apply to investment bonds and if you hold such investments you are advised to seek advice from an independent financial advisor on how they will be taken into account.

If we have reason to believe you have disposed of any capital assets to reduce the amount you will have to pay towards the cost of your care, we may take this capital into account as if you still have it.

In assessing what you can afford to contribute towards the cost of your care from your capital and/or savings, we must apply the upper and lower capital limits. The upper capital limit is currently set at £23,250 and the lower capital limit at £14,250. These limits are set by the Government.