Funding care can be a daunting prospect so here is some information for you to help you make the right decisions.
Some people can be eligible for funding from and a good place to start would be to contact Social Care Direct on 0845 6037630 or visit the website www.essex.gov.uk Everyone is entitled to then have a Community Care Assessment irrespective of financial circumstances. A decision will be made, based around your financial circumstances how much you can afford to pay for any care and support that you may need and what benefits that you may also be entitled to. As a guideline, if you have more than £23,250 in money or property (capital) you will normally have to arrange and pay for the full cost or your care and support. However you can call Essex County Council for support and guidance in identifying suitable care options 0300 0032112.
Benefits you can claim if you are funding your own care
Disability Allowance is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions for people under the age of 65 who have personal care or supervision needs, have a terminal illness or difficulty walking. This is assessed and could be upto a top rate of £79.60 for the care component and a top rate of £51.40 for the mobility component.
Attendance allowance is also paid for by the Department of Work and Pensions for people aged 65 and over who have personal care or supervision needs or if you have a terminal illness. There are two rates: for those needing care during the day OR night this is the lower rate of £53.00 per week and those needing care both in the day AND night the payment is £79.15 per week.
Funding your care
You will hear the term Self-Directed Support and this is Social Care funding from Essex County Council to help you to live independantly. It was designed to help you take control of your social care budget and choose the services that best suit you.
Personal Budgets
If you are eligible for funding from Essex County Council this will be provided as a Personal Budget. You will be given the personal budget as a cash payment and this gives you control over your funding and allows you to manage your own service and choose how to spend the money in a way that benefits you the most. You can actually have a third party to look after your budget such as an advocate, broker or even friends or family.
