Funding your Care at Home: 2023

Determining the cost of home care is a crucial step in planning for your personalised care services. At Eden Care, we understand the significance of clarity in this matter. Here is an in-depth guide that sheds light on the various aspects of home care fees, eligibility for financial assistance, and benefits you may be entitled to.

Hourly Home Care Costs

When considering a home care provider, it’s essential to factor in the fees associated with domiciliary care. The hourly cost of home care can range from £23 to £34, with potential variations based on location. It’s worth noting that home care agency may often be a more cost-effective alternative to residential care. Please be aware that fees may increase during weekends and bank holidays.

Example Calculation

For instance, if you require two hours of home care per day at a rate of £25 per hour, your weekly cost would be £350, monthly cost £1,400, and yearly cost £16,800.

To provide further clarity, we’ve prepared a video overview that outlines anticipated home care expenses and available funding options.

Live-In Care Costs

Live-in care fees generally start at £900 to £1,400 per week, with potential variations based on individual needs and the chosen provider. A thorough budgeting approach can alleviate financial stress, and consulting with a financial advisor is advisable.

Financial Assessment for Local Authority Support

Your local council may contribute to home care costs based on a needs assessment. The means test considers factors such as earnings, pensions, benefits, and savings. If your capital exceeds £23,250, full payment is required. However, various contribution scenarios apply based on your financial situation.

Paying for Home Care in Different Regions

The funding landscape for home care agencies near you varies across the UK. In England, the local council may contribute to costs based on a means test. Scotland provides free personal and nursing care based on local authority assessments. In Wales, there’s a maximum charge of £100 per week, and in Northern Ireland, Health and Social Care Trusts assess needs and provide financial assistance accordingly.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

For those with substantial long-term care needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) covers all support costs, irrespective of means. Qualification involves a two-stage assessment process, with a focus on primary health needs.

Benefits You Can Claim

Various benefits are available to individuals requiring home care. These include:

1. Attendance Allowance:

Eligibility Criteria:

Individuals over State Pension Age with physical and/or mental disabilities, including learning difficulties.

Require assistance or supervision due to disabilities for at least six months, unless terminally ill.

Rates:

£68.10 per week if needing frequent help or constant care either during the day or at night.

£101.75 per week if requiring help both day and night, or if terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less.

Considerations:

Not means-tested and does not consider earnings or savings.

Eligibility may lead to additional benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.

2. Personal Independence Payment (PIP):

Eligibility Criteria:

Individuals aged 16 to 64 requiring long-term care at home due to disability or illness.

Assessment:

Conducted by an independent health professional.

Considers how the condition affects daily living and mobility.

Divided into two components: daily living and mobility, with varying rates based on condition severity.

Rates:

Daily living rates: £68.10 or £101.75 per week.

Mobility rates: £26.90 or £71 per week.

3. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB):

Eligibility Criteria:

Disabled due to a workplace accident, illness, or over 70 covered diseases.

Not available for self-employed individuals.

Assessment:

Disability level assessed on a scale of 1 to 100% by a medical advisor.

Rates:

Varies based on disability level, ranging from £41.52 to £207.60 per week.

4. Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA):

Eligibility Criteria:

Ill or disabled due to an injury.

Requires constant, daily care.

Must receive either IIDB or a War Disablement Pension.

Rates:

Four different rates in 2023/24: £41.55 (part day), £83.10 (full day), £124.65 (intermediate), £166.20 (exceptional).

5. Carer’s Allowance (CA):

Eligibility Criteria:

Caring for someone at least 35 hours per week.

The person being cared for must receive a qualifying disability benefit.

Rates:

£76.75 per week, paid weekly or every four weeks.

National Insurance credits for pension accrual if under pension age.

Conditions:

Not means-tested but has an earnings cap.

Taxable if combined sources of income exceed the tax threshold.

6. Pension Credit:

Eligibility Criteria:

Means-tested benefit for individuals with a lower income over State Pension Age.

Components:

Guarantee Credit: Tops up income for singles and couples below specified thresholds.

Savings Credit: Boosts income for those with retirement savings.

Considerations:

Savings up to £10,000 disregarded; additional savings affect weekly income.

Income includes state pension, other pensions, earnings, most benefits, and savings.

7. Disability Premiums:

Types:

Disability Premium

Enhanced Disability Premium

Severe Disability Premium

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be under State Pension Age.

Must be registered blind or receiving specific disability benefits.

Rates:

Disability Premium: £39.85 per week (single), £56.80 per week (couples).

Enhanced Disability Premium: £19.55 per week (single), £27.90 per week (couples).

Severe Disability Premium: £76.40 per week (single), £152.80 per week (couples).

8. ESA Support Group:

Eligibility Criteria:

Assessed as unable to return to work due to disability or health condition.

Under State Pension Age, not receiving Statutory Sick Pay, and not currently working.

Rate:

£129.50 per week, regardless of age.

Requirements:

Limited work capability, National Insurance contributions, and not receiving certain other benefits.

9. Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions:

Eligibility Criteria:

Recipients of the daily living or mobility component of PIP.

Benefit:

Reduction in Council Tax bill.

Note:

Applies to individuals in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Northern Ireland residents may be eligible for reduced rates through the Rate Relief Scheme.

At EdenCare, our commitment is rooted in ensuring transparency and empowerment for individuals and their families when it comes to decisions about their care. We understand that navigating funding applications for various care benefits can be complex, and we are here to assist you every step of the way. Our dedicated team is readily available to answer any questions, provide clarification, and guide you through the entire process of applying for funding.

Whether you are seeking information, need assistance, or have specific questions about your unique situation, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are more than happy to help and provide the support you need to make well-informed choices regarding your care or the care of your loved ones. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to ensure you have the information and guidance necessary to access the care you deserve.