Social care services, unlike health care, is not free for everyone.
Most people will have to pay something towards the cost of their care, with some people having to pay the full cost.
Who pays for social care
If you have savings and capital assets (like owning a property), of more than £23,250, you will be expected to pay the full cost of your care services.
If you have less than £23,250, we will financially assess you to find out how much you will pay towards your care.
You will be asked to complete a financial assessment to determine what you need to pay towards the cost of your care.
Download our fact sheet 'A guide to self funding' (PDF)
It's important to make sure you find out as much as possible before you make decisions on funding your care.
Easy Read paying for services (PDF)
A needs assessment is the first step
Before we can arrange services for you, you will need an assessment. This involves a detailed discussion with you. If you wish you may have someone to speak on your behalf such as a friend or an advocate. Assessments are free.
We have to give priority to people who are most vulnerable, and so there are standards in deciding if you qualify for our services.
Adult social care charging policy
You can view our adult social care charging policy here (PDF).
Care packages
After an assessment we decide what help can be offered and how we can arrange it. This is called a Care Package.
Paying for residential care
Find out how to pay for residential care services:
- Paying for care - residential and nursing care (PDF)
- Paying for care - residential and nursing care deferred payment scheme (PDF)
Paying for non-residential care
Non residential care includes services such as home care, day care and direct payments.
Please see our non-residential care fact sheet (PDF) for more information
Advice about paying for your care
The following organisations provide information on paying for care:
