Northamptonshire County Council has introduced a new ‘banded’ charging system for providing care and support services.
Depending on your financial circumstances you will be advised on which Charging Band you are likely to fall into.
The simple banded charging system will be used in most cases. The ‘banded’ charging system includes an allowance for items you may have to buy as a result of your disability or ill health.
A full financial assessment will be carried out by finance officers for people with more complex financial situations, income over £400 per week, severe disability or ill health that requires large amounts of essential personal expenditure
Regardless of how much care you require, the new Charging Policy has banded charging rates that relate only to your income.
There is an expectation that most users will have to pay a contribution towards the care they receive. Individuals with savings over £22,500 will be expected to pay the full cost of the care they receive.
If we think you could qualify for disability related benefits, then we will refer you to our finance section who will help you to obtain the benefits you are entitled to.
All income generated is used to provide and develop services for the benefit of the residents of Northamptonshire.
If you are unhappy with the decision then you have the right to use the council’s appeal process.
You will need to formally apply for an appeal and the grounds on which it is being made, financial officers can offer advice on this process.
Exemptions to Charging
We will not charge for:
- advice, information and assessments regarding social care needs and available services
- advice, information and assessments for charging, welfare benefits and income collection for people receiving services
- services provided to people who are on the basic level of income support, job seekers component or pension credit component
- services provided to those people who have Crueztfeldt Jacob disease (CJD)
- services provided to those people who have a terminal illness and are in receipt of either Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance claimed under ‘special rules’ on the DS1500 claim form
- services provided for after care under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983
- services provided as part of an Intermediate Care package Community equipment services
- minor adaptations where the cost is less than £1,000
Further information
For further information on Charging please contact the finance help line number - 01604 236035