Paying for care

The purpose of the financial assessment is to work out how much financial assistance you may receive towards your residential accommodation fees.

To work this out, you will need to give details of your income, your savings and in some circumstances what property you own.

A Financial Assessment Officer will carry out the assessment.

You can apply for financial assistance online here: Application for Financial Assistance - Community Health and Social Care

Assessments are made when

• You are planning a period of temporary care in a residential home (each time before you arrange a stay);
• You are thinking of moving permanently in to a residential home (before you accept a place);
• You are already living in a residential home and your financial circumstances change.

Assessments take into account

• Weekly income from all sources
• Value of property in certain circumstances
• If you have savings of between £21,500 and £35,000 you will have to make a weekly contribution from this of £1 for every £250 (or part of £250) you have over the lower limit
• If you have savings or assets worth more than £35,000 you will have to pay the full charge

Assessments will not take into account

• You are allowed to retain £34.50 per week for personal expenses
• Savings and assets to the value of £21,500 are disregarded in full
• Some weekly income from the Department for Work and Pensions benefits is disregarded
• Value of property in certain circumstances is disregarded

If your savings reduce to £35,000

If you are in residential care and your savings fall to £35,000 you should inform the Financial Assessment Officer immediately, as you will be entitled to a financial assessment and your care charges may be significantly reduced.

Temporary Care

Shetland Islands Council will disregard an additional sum towards home commitments.

Personal Care

While you are in residential care you will be entitled to £248.70 per week towards the cost of your personal care.  This will be paid directly to the care home.

You will no longer be eligible to receive Attendance Allowance, the care component of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. 

Further information can be found in our leaflet - CC12 - Financial Assessment for Residential Care