Who Pays for My Homecare? A Quick Guide!!

Are you wondering who pays for your homecare and how it all works?

Well, you’re in the right place because today, we’re going to break it all down for you in a simple way! Plus, we’ll give you some tips on finding the best homecare services to suit your needs.

First things first, if you’ve had a care needs assessment done by your local council and they’ve given you the green light for homecare, the next step is a means test. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! This test looks at your income and savings to determine how much you’ll need to contribute towards your care.

Now, here’s the nitty-gritty on the means test:

What does the means test involve?

The means test is when the local council looks at your income, savings and property to calculate how much you need to contribute towards the cost of your care and support.

If you need care in order to stay in your own home, the means test won’t include the value of your property.

🏦 If your capital is over £23,250, you’re considered a ‘self-funder,’ and you’ll have to cover the full cost of your care.

💰 If your capital falls between £14,250 and £23,250, you’ll get financial support from the council.

You’ll contribute from your income (like pensions) and a ‘tariff income’ based on your capital. This tariff income is calculated by assuming you have an extra £1 per week for every £250 (or part of it) within that range.

🌟 If your capital is less than £14,250, the council will provide financial support. However you will still contribute from your income, but no tariff income is charged.

But here’s the good news: certain types of income, like disability benefits and pensions, may not be counted in the means test. This also applies to certain types of capital. Everything else, though, can be considered.

Now, here’s a neat little nugget of information. If all your eligible income is factored into the means test, you must be left with at least £189.00 per week if you’re single and above Pension Credit qualifying age. This is known as the Minimum Income Guarantee. 📈

If you’re eligible for financial support for homecare, your local council can set up those services for you. Alternatively, you can opt for direct payments and organize homecare yourself – it’s your call!

But what about the cost if you’re paying for your own homecare?

If you’re self-funding, you can arrange your own care, or your council can do it for you if you prefer. Keep in mind that there might be an arrangement fee.

As for the price tag, homecare typically falls in the range of £25 to £35 per hour. But remember, it can vary depending on where you live and the type of care you need. To find the best fit for your needs, we recommend reaching out to a few homecare agencies in your area. It’s all about finding the right match! 💖

Now, let’s talk benefits!

If you’re over State Pension age and need extra help to stay independent at home due to illness or disability, you might be eligible for Attendance Allowance. If you’re under State Pension age, you could qualify for Personal Independence Payment instead. And guess what? These benefits aren’t means-tested, so your income and savings won’t affect your eligibility. Plus, if

Living in a familiar environment, surrounded by cherished memories, can provide emotional comfort. The emotional attachment to one’s home, to the walls that have seen family grow, and to the neighbourhood friendships that have developed over years, is invaluable. Remaining in this space can lead to improved mood and reduced feelings of isolation.

If you want any further information on the cost of homecare please get in touch