Social
Care & HealthSocial Work Charging Policy
How will charges be calculated?
What services will be covered by the charging policy?
How is net income assessed? The Scottish Executive
expects local authorities to charge for some of their social work services. This
page explains how these charges may affect you. On the 1st of July 2002
the Scottish Executive implemented the "Free
Personal and Nursing Care" policy for older people. This has resulted
in significant changes in how we charge for services. In working out what
contribution you may be required to pay, we will take into account recent legislation
about "Personal Care" and Supporting People. It is important to
note that your assessment for Social Work services is based on your need and not
on your ability to pay.
If you are over 60
When we have completed
your needs assessment we will use the Scottish Executive Guidance to Local Authorities
to separate your needs between Personal Care, Non-Personal Care and Housing Support
needs. You will not be charged for services to meet Personal Care needs. You may
however be charged for some services to meet Non-Personal Care and housing Support
needs.
If you are under 60
You may be charged for services to
meet your Personal Care, Non-Personal Care and Housing Support needs and Meals
at Home service.. HOW WILL CHARGES BE CALCULATED?
For Services excluding Meals at Home.
You will have a financial assessment
carried out which will determine how much, if anything, you may be required to
pay towards the cost of your services. A charge will only be made if your chargeable
income is over the relevant income threshold for your circumstances. Some service
users will pay nothing. No charge will be more than the actual cost of providing
the service concerned. Meals at Home
Following the introduction of a new meals at home service in spring/summer
2005 the charge will be £1.63 for a 2 course meal and £2.01 for a
3 course meal.
Income Maximisation
All benefits will be included
in your income for assessment purposes with the exception of Disability Living
Allowance (Mobility Component) and War Widows/Widowers Supplementary Pension (£73.64 pw
from 7th April 2008), all Child Benefits and earnings of up to £20.
If
you receive Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance at the High Rate
this element (the difference between the Middle and Higher Rate) will only be
included if you receive an intensive care package. You will not lose your Attendance
Allowance. However, as part of your assessment, you will be offered a benefits
check and assisted in making claims for any additional benefits to which you may
be entitled.
In the main, services with the exception of meals,
will be free to :
Individuals over 60 whose weekly chargeable income
is £145 or less.
Individuals under 60 whose weekly chargeable
income is £119 or less.
OR
Couples, one of whom is
over 60, whose weekly chargeable income is £ 221 or less.
Couples,
under 60, whose weekly chargeable income is £ 182 or less
An extra
£ 50 will be added to these amounts for each dependent child in the family. If
you are asked to pay, most people will NOT pay the full cost of service provision
as the council have agreed to subsidise the service. WHAT
SERVICES ARE COVERED BY THE CHARGING POLICY? Charges based on cost of
service: DAY CARE
There is no charge for Day Services for Older
People. There will however be a charge to pay for your lunch. Please see meals
charges below. HOMECARE (Indicative Charge)
£9.60 per
hour.
COMMUNITY ALARM
£3.60 per week.
MEALS
All meals charges have been separated from care charges and will be charged at
the undernoted rates. MEALS AT HOME SERVICE
£1.63 for a 2 course meal and £2.01 for a 3 course
meal.
EQUIPMENT & ADAPTATIONS
There is no charge for Equipment
and Adaptations. HOW IS NET INCOME ASSESSED?
- When working out your weekly chargeable income, any eligible housing costs
(rent/mortgage/council tax etc) will be deducted from your total income, and certain
benefits disregarded.
- The capital value of any property you own and live
in is completely disregarded.
- Any savings/capital you have up to £6,000
will also be totally ignored. Where capital exceeds these amounts, £ 1.00
will be added to your assessed income for every £500 you have over this
amount.
WHAT IF MY CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE?
Liability to
pay charges will automatically be reassessed each year and we will ask you about
any changes to your income and savings at that time.
If at any time during
the year your circumstances change, it is your responsibility to let us know through
your care manager or other appropriate member of staff. If you fail to do so you
may be charged at the wrong rate. Do I have to provide you with information?
You may choose not to provide us with your financial details. In this case
we will be unable to assess your income and will therefore have to charge the
full cost of the services you receive. WHAT INFORMATION WILL WE NEED
AS PART OF THE FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT? Basic financial details:
including income from employment, pensions or welfare benefits, and details, where
appropriate, of who deals with your finances if you do not do so yourself. Any
savings: details and amounts involved. Housing costs: what you
actually pay in rent, mortgage, or Council Tax. Welfare benefits check:
as part of the financial assessment you will be offered a benefits check to identify
any additional benefits to which you may be entitled. Declaration:
you (or someone representing you) will be asked to sign, saying that, to the best
of your knowledge, the information you have given is accurate. WHAT IF
I AM UNHAPPY WITH ANY PART OF THE ASSESSMENT ?
You have the right to have
your assessment reviewed. In the first instance you should contact your care manager/
social worker/ or homecare organiser and voice your concerns. We would
encourage you to comment about any aspect of Social Work Services. Suggestions
& Comments Leaflets (called It's Better
to Listen) are available from any Social Work Services office or by telephoning
01563 575343. Comment
about Social Services
Find your
nearest Social Work office
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