How do I access social care support?

If you feel you need care support in your home to do daily tasks you can ask your local authority for a “NEEDS ASSESSMENT.”  This assessment can look at such things as equipment you may need, such as pendants, access to day centres etc. It can also look at practical help you may need from a paid carer. 

The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one by ringing their local council.  The assessment is usually conducted by a social worker or occupational therapist.  They will look at how you manage every day tasks such as washing, cooking and dressing. 

Do I have to pay for this support?

If the needs assessment identifies you need more support you will have a financial assessment to see if the council will pay towards the costs. 

You will NOT be entitled to help with care costs from your council if:

• You have savings worth more than £23,250. (This will rise to £100,000 in October 2023)
• You own your own property (This only applies if your moving into a care home)

If you do not want a financial assessment you can chose to pay all the costs yourself. 

If you would like more info on how the financial assessment works click on the link below to view more info on the NHS website. 

Financial assessment (means test) for social care - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Can I choose my own carers?

Yes, if you or someone you care for has help from social services you can apply for direct payments. This will allow you to use the budget agreed from your NEEDS ASSESSMENT to choose the care that you want.  You may wish to employ a personal assistant rather than have different carers visiting you.

For more information on direct payments in your area click on the link below and enter your local authority.

Apply for direct payments - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits available to those with long term illnesses or disabilities. 

There are benefits available for people suffering from an illness or disability that can help with care costs.  These are type of benefits are “health” benefits and they are not means tested. 

Personal Independence Payment

“PIP can help you with living costs if you have a long term physical or Mental health condition or disability. Or, difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.” - www.gov.uk/pip

You can claim PIP regardless of if you are working, are claiming other benefits or have savings. 

There are two components to PIP, Daily living and Mobility. You may get one or you may be entitled to both. 

The lower rate for Daily living support is £61.85 and the higher rate is £92.40.

The lower rate for Mobility support is £24.45 and higher rate is £64.40.

These figures are correct as of Dec 2022. 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP): What PIP is for - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Disability Living Allowance

If you have a child under 16yrs they can apply for Disability Living Allowance. 

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who:

• has difficulties walking or needs much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability

You can find out more information and full eligibility criteria by clicking on the link below:

 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The DLA rate is between £24.45 and £156.90 a week and depends on the level of help the child needs.

Attendance Allowance.

Attendance Allowance is available for those state pension age and older.  It helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. 

It’s paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.

You could get £61.85 or £92.40 a week to help with personal support if you’re both:

If you receive Attendance Allowance it may mean you can also claim other benefits.

You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

Attendance Allowance: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)