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. A full financial assessment can be requested at any time by any customer.

The updated policy, questions and answers relating to the policy, new finance leaflet and the revised banded charges/other relevant charges can be viewed below:

• Policy Library - Fairer Contributions Policy
• Questions and Answers - changes to contributions (PDF format 109KB)
• Charging for Non Residential Care and Support Services (PDF format 114KB)
• Revised Banded Charges and other charges (PDF format 86KB)

What does the updated Fairer Contributions Policy mean to you?

There is an expectation that most customers will have to pay a contribution towards the care they receive. Customers with savings and capital assets over £23,250 will be expected to pay the full cost of the care they receive.

If we think you could qualify for disability related benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Care Component, Attendance Allowance and Severe Disability Premium, 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.

Appeals

If you are unhappy with the decision then you have the right to use the County 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.

• Financial Assessments - appeals

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 those people who have Creutzfeldt-Jakob 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.
• Minor adaptations where the cost is less than £1,000.

Further Information

For further information on Charging please contact the Adult Care Team