Charging for Non-Residential Services - Information Handbook 2007-2008
You may also be interested in the Fairer Charging Policy
Introduction
Financial Assessments
Home Visits
Disability Related Expenditure (DRE)
Welfare Benefits
Charges
Important Questions and Answers
What do the words mean?
Useful Website Addresses
Equality
Complaints
Contact Details
Introduction
Following concerns by Government about the differences across the country in how charges are worked for non-residential care services, they have issued new regulations for all councils to follow. There are some decisions left to councils in the detail of their charging policy.
North East Lincolnshire makes a charge for the provision of non-residential social services. The amount that people pay depends upon their financial circumstances and the services they receive. People are only charged if they have income above a certain level.
We want to help people to live at home as independently and as safely as possible. We also want the charges for the care that we provide for people at home to be fair.
Most of the services we provide for you in your own home will be assessed for a charge. You will not be charged for Health Services.
Information collected for the purposes of financial assessment will be personal information within the definition of the Data Protection Act. Service Users will have full rights of access to all of this information while it is being retained.
Return to top
Financial Assessments
As soon as your care needs have been assessed, someone from our Finance Team will be alerted to carry out an assessment of your financial circumstances. If we arrange these services for you we will work out whether you are able to pay a contribution. This is called a Financial Assessment and will form part of the Service Users confidential record.
A visiting Officer from the Finance Team will contact you to arrange a suitable visiting time, venue etc. You may have a member of your family or a friend present if you wish. Any information will be treated in confidence in accordance with our declaration under the Data Protection Act which is included on the Financial Assessment form.
The Finance Officer will usually complete the form, but if you would prefer you may complete the form with the assistance of the Officer. In either case a copy of the form will be provided to you.
Service Users will be asked to disclose details of their financial circumstances in order for a financial assessment to be conducted. They have the right to withhold consent for this disclosure, but if they do so, this will be considered as formally declining their right to be financially assessed.
The current Financial Assessment and up to the previous four completed will be retained on file. The file will be retained during the period in which the service user receives services, and for a period of three years following the date of cessation of the last relevant service.
Our staff will be happy to answer any questions and explain the Council's charging policy if there is anything you do not understand.
All of our staff carry identification with them so please check this before allowing anyone into your home.
What we will need to see
It would be helpful if you could have the following information available for the Finance Officer.
Income
- Benefit books e.g. Pension, Income Support etc.
- Notification of Private (Occupational) Pension
Savings
- Building Society Books
- Bank Statements
- Details of stocks and shares e.g. TESSA, PEP, ISA etc
- Any other financial investment
Expenditure
- Rent Card
- Council Tax
- Mortgage details
Return to top
Home Visits
If a financial assessment is required our Finance Team will contact you, your authorised representative or carer by telephone if possible. Alternatively, you will be contacted by letter or e-mail to arrange a mutually convenient time and venue for a visit to take place.
Once a home visit has been arranged, the visiting officer will inform you of the type of details that will be required i.e. benefit/pension books as part of the assessment.
What you can expect from us when we visit you:
- That anyone who visits you at home will have had the appropriate training and will be competent to undertake the financial assessment.
- That we will treat you with courtesy and respect and will ensure that anything confidential will not be divulged without your consent (except in cases where it is required by law to do so, would prevent any harm to you and/or it is judged to be in the public interest).
- We will always give you our name and details of how to contact the service if you need to.
- We will have clear, up-to-date identification which you will be shown on arrival.
- We will listen to you and respect your privacy and dignity at all times.
- We will consult you about convenient times for visits to take place.
- We will be visiting at the agreed time, and if for any reason the visit does not take place or is delayed, you will be contacted as soon as possible.
If you are in any way unhappy with the way our visiting staff have treated you, please contact the Business & Financial Manager.
Return to top
Disability Related Expenditure (DRE)
It is not possible to give a complete list of DRE as this will vary according to individual needs. The overall aim is to allow for reasonable expenditure needed for independent living by a disabled person.
Primarily the Users Care Plan will guide the DRE, but allowances for expenses other than for care and support such as heating etc will also be taken into account.
Any specialised equipment that is not normally purchased every month will be costed on an annual basis and divided into weekly equivalents and repaid over a reasonable period.
This authority will normally require receipts or similar evidence to back up claims for DRE, particularly for unusual items or heavy expenditure.
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
| 1. All fuel |
Difference between actual annual bill and figures given below (which represent "normal costs"), divided by 52
- Single in flat and terraced £756
- Couple in flat and terraced £996
- Single in semi-detached £802
- Couple in semi-detached £1057
- Single in detached £975
- Couple in detached £1285
|
Last 4 quarterly bills for all types of fuel |
Notes:
- If bills not retained, copies to be provided within 28 days. If not provided within this timescale the allowance will apply from the date that the evidence is provided.
- Winter Fuel and Cold Weather Payments should not be taken into account.
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
|
2. Community or Personal Alarm |
Actual cost unless included in Housing Benefit or Supporting People Grant |
Bills from provider |
Notes:
- For couples where only 1 service user still allow actual cost
Return to top
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
| 3. Communication Aids |
|
Reference with the Care Plan to communication needs |
| 4. Privately arranged care* |
Actual cost if Social Worker confirms requirement as part of the Care Plan and Council Supported care is reduced accordingly |
Signed receipts, for at least 4 weeks using a proper receipt book |
5. Private
domestic help* |
Actual cost if Social Worker confirms requirement as part of the Care Plan and Council Supported care is reduced accordingly |
Signed receipts,for at least 4 weeks using a proper receipt book |
Notes
- Allowances will not normally be given in relation to care or domestic assistance provided by spouse or partner, other close relative or anyone else living in the same household. A close relative is defined as parent, parent-in-law, aunt, uncle, grandparent, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, step-son, step-daughter, brother, sister or spouse or partner of any of these.
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
| 6. Laundry/washing powder |
£2.92 per week |
Care Plan will have identified an incontinence problem. Identify more than 4 loads per week |
|
7. Continence Products |
£3.50 per week, based on Health's costings of providing a service |
Patient Requirement Form from Health |
| 8. Bedding |
Continence service may provide protective mattress covers - check local provision |
Receipts for a minimum 6 month period |
| 9. Dietary |
Discretionary as special dietary needs may not be more expensive than normal |
Details of special purchases. |
| 10. Clothes or shoes |
|
Reference within the care plan to abnormal wear and tear of clothing or need for specialist clothing. |
| 11. Gardening |
Discretionary based on individual costs of garden maintenance |
Signed receipts, for at least 4 weeks using a proper receipt book |
Notes
- Allowances will not normally be given in relation to redecoration or gardening provided by spouse or partner, other close relative or anyone else living in the same household. A close relative is defined as parent, parent-in-law, aunt, uncle, grandparent, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, step-son, step-daughter, brother, sister or spouse or partner of any of these.
Return to top
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
| 12. Wheelchair |
£3.03 per week manual
£7.39 per week powered |
Evidence of purchase. No allowance if equipment provided free of charge. |
| 13. Powered Bed |
Actual costs divided by 500 (10 year life) up to maximum of £3.39 per week |
Evidence of purchase if available. |
| 14. Turning Bed |
Actual costs divided by 500 up to maximum of £5.89 per week |
Evidence of purchase if available |
| 15. Power pack for manual wheelchair |
Actual costs divided by 260 up to maximum of £2.65 per week |
Identified on care plan and not provided by statutory agency. Receipt or estimate. |
| 16. Powered reclining chair |
Actual costs divided by 500 up to maximum of £2.68 per week |
Evidence of purchase if available |
| 17. Stair lift |
Actual costs divided by 500 up to maximum of £4.76 per week |
Evidence of purchase withough DFG input |
| 18. Hoist |
Actual cost divided by 500 up to maximum of £2.34 per week |
Evidence of purchase without DFG input |
Notes:
- Allowance based on purchase costs over average lift expectancy
- Other specialist equipment should be supported by care plan, receipt or estimate provided and referred to Panel for a decision
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
| 19. Holidays |
Actual additional cost in excess of normal costs for similar holiday divided by 52 |
Evidence of actual cost comparison purposes |
Notes:
- Consider additional costs for partner or companion of the specialist holiday arrangement
Return to top
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
| 20. Prescription charges |
Cost of an annual season ticket divided by 52 |
For those not eligible for free prescriptions |
| 21. Transport |
Discretionary based on costs that are greater than those incurred by an able bodied person |
Evidence in the care plan for the need of specialist transport |
Notes
- Mobility Allowance cannot be included in the normal financial assessment as an income but the statutory guidance states that transport costs should be allowed necessitated by illness or disability, including costs of transport to Day Centres, over and above the mobility component of DLA if in payment and available for these costs. This implies that transport costs do not need to be allowed if Mobility Allowance is considered available to meet such costs.
| Item |
Amount |
Evidence |
| 22. Wear and tear on fixtures and fittings |
|
Evidence in care plan. Receipt or estimates for replacements. Evidence that is not covered by household insurance policy. |
| 23. Repair or replacement of items damaged by user |
|
Evidence in care plan. Receipt or estimates for replacements. Evidence that is not covered by household insurance policy. |
At the time of going to press the DRE figures quoted are correct. However, these are likely to change and you will be notified if these changes affect you.
Welfare Benefits
Many people do not claim all of the benefits that they are entitled to. The Council is committed to helping people to get their full rights and will offer you a welfare benefits check and help you with any claims that need to be made.
Assistance will be provided, where required to complete the appropriate benefit claim forms.
If you would prefer independent advice on benefit entitlement, the Visiting Officer will refer the case, with your permission, to the appropriate agencies.
It is likely that your charges will increase if you get certain benefits but for most people more than half of the extra will be kept by you.
Reviews of Financial Assessments
To take account of increases in benefits, private pensions and the cost of living we will review your charge every year. This is known as financial re-assessment and you will be contacted when this is due.
Return to top
Charges
The following non-residential services will be charged for as stated in our Charging Policy:
- Home Care
- Day Care
- Transport
- Laundry
- Carers
Home Care
£5.10 per hour
Day Activities
£2.05 per day/part of day
Transport
£1 per return journey
Laundry
£4.60 per week
Meals at the Centres
£2.30 per meal
Meals on Wheels
£2.65 per meal
Return to top
Important Questions and Answers
Q. What services do we expect to be charged for?
A. We charge for the following services:
1. Home Care
2. Day Care
3. Transport
4. Laundry
5. Carers
Q. Does everyone pay the same?
A. No. What you pay for depends on your financial circumstances and service - everyone's charge is worked out individually after a financial assessment.
If you are asked to make a contribution to the cost of your care, there are a number of ways to make your payments, your Finance section will inform you of your options
Q. How will you treat my partners income and savings?
A. We will ignore your partner's income. If you share a joint account or joint ownership of assets with your partner we will only take into account your half share.
Q. Do I have to tell you if my income savings changes?
A. Yes as it may affect your charge.
Q. What happens if I refuse to give you information about my finances?
A. We will charge you the full cost of your care if you refuse to tell us about your financial circumstances or do not reply to letters we send you.
Q. What happens to the information I give you?
A. We will use this to assess your charge and keep it confidential.
Q. Will my financial information be shared with anyone?
A. No. We are only collecting for the financial assessment purpose unless you give consent for this information to be shared.
Q. What happens if I am unable to pay?
A. You must tell us if you are having difficulty in making payments.
Q. Who can I contact if I have any other questions?
A. You can write, phone, fax or e-mail the Finance Team, Community Care Directorate, Unit 5 Acorn Business Park, Grimsby, DN32 0LT
Telephone: (01472) 325502 Fax (01472) 325568
Return to top
What do the words mean?
Assessment Officer
An officer employed by the Community Care Directorate who will visit you to assess your needs and talk to you about your Care Plan.
Assets
Savings, investments, premium bonds, money in the bank, cash, property, annuities.
Benefits Agency or Department for Works and Pensions
The Government Department that pays many of the state benefits that you might receive. Many still call it the DSS (Department of Social Security).
Care Plan
This is a document that sets out what services or help you need and who will do these things for you.
Carer
Someone who helps to look after another person, a service user.
Disability Living Allowance
A tax free benefit paid if you are under 65 and need help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, making a hot meal or get around because of an illness or disability.
Financial Assessment
You will be asked to give details of your financial circumstances to an officer from our Finance Team. These details will then be used to work out your disposable income and the amount of money that you will have to pay for services provided by the Community Care Directorate.
Income
A regular payment, usually received weekly, 4 weekly, calendar monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually.
Non-Residential Services
Services provided by North East Lincolnshire Council to people living at home. These would include home care, laundry service, transport etc.
State Benefits
Money paid, usually weekly or monthly by an agency of the Department of Social Security, such as the Department of Work and Pensions, Disability Living Foundation Unit.
Supporting Evidence
Birth, marriage or death certificates, bank books or statements, benefit books or payment slips that you may be asked to provide to confirm personal details such as your full name and date of birth and the sort and amount of income that you receive or the savings that you have.
Return to top
Useful Website Addresses
North East Lincolnshire Council www.nelincs.gov.uk
Carers Information www.carers.gov.uk
Age Concern www.ace.org.uk
Disability Rights Commission www.drc.org.uk
National Council for Voluntary Organisations www.ncvo-volorg.uk
Department of Works and Pensions http://www.dwp.gov.uk/
Equality
The Council is fully committed to ensuring that no-one is treated in any way less favourably on the grounds of personal differences such as race; colour; nationality; ethnic or social origin; gender; sexual orientation; religious belief; age; disability; marital status; caring responsibilities or political or other personal beliefs
Appeals Process
Part of the conditions laid down in the charging Policy is the right of Service Users to log an appeal on the grounds of their inability to pay. Details of how to appeal can be obtained from :
Complaints and Communications
Unit 5 Acorn Business Park
Grimsby, DN32 0LT
Telephone (01472) 325507
Complaints
If you are not happy with any aspect of the services you have received from us or the way you have been treated, speak first of all to the person you have been dealing with or their manager.
You can also contact a Complaints Officer on telephone (01472) 325507.
Ask for a copy of 'Your Right To Complain' leaflet. This leaflet informs you of the process and also includes a complaint form.
Complaints and Communications
Unit 5 Acorn Business Park
Grimsby, DN32 0LT
Tel: (01472) 325534
Return to top
Contact Details
If you require further information please contact us:
Business & Financial Services
North East Lincolnshire Council
Unit 5 Acorn Business Park
Grimsby, DN32 0LT
Tel: (01472) 325502
OR email customerrequests@nelincs.gov.uk
|