Once we have assessed from our earlier conversations that you have eligible care needs, we will ask to look at your finances to work out how much you can afford to contribute towards the total cost of your care. This will include looking at any income you have, such as benefits or pensions.

Benefits and moving into a care home

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will usually continue to pay your welfare benefits if you move into residential care. However, some benefits may change when you leave your own home. You must contact the DWP as soon as you move into residential care so they can make sure your payments are correct.

Help to find a suitable care home

We will work with you to identify a suitable care home that can meet your eligible care and support needs and agree a weekly fee.

How care home fees are paid

The agreed care home fees will usually be covered through a combination of contributions.

Your contribution

If you receive support in a residential or nursing home, we will carry out a financial assessment to understand what you can afford to pay. This is your contribution towards the total cost of your care.

The council’s contribution

We will always try to provide you with a choice of suitable care homes to consider, although the agreed fee will usually be based on the least expensive option that meets your care and support needs. If you then prefer to choose a care home that is more expensive, we will not cover the extra cost - you will need to arrange for this to be paid by someone else, referred to as a third-party top-up.

Third‑party top‑ups

A top‑up is usually paid by a friend, family member or a charity, not by you. It must be agreed with us in advance. Anyone who agrees to pay a top‑up must show that they can afford it and sign an agreement to make regular payments.

You can choose to pay your top-up payments to us, or directly to the care home. The care home will explain how and when payments need to be made.

All top‑up arrangements must be agreed with us. We may refuse a top‑up if it is clearly not affordable or is unlikely to be sustainable.

If a top‑up is no longer affordable

If a third party can no longer afford the top-up contribution, they should contact us as soon as possible to discuss options. This will help ensure care and support can continue, which may include moving to another care home. In this situation, a social care practitioner will work with you, your family and carers to find an alternative home that meets your needs and budget.

Paying your own top‑up (first-party top-up)

It may be possible for you to pay your own top-up if:

• you are receiving financial help from us during a 12‑week property disregard
• you have a deferred payment agreement and the top‑up is included in that agreement
• your accommodation is provided as hospital aftercare under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983

It is important for you, and anyone paying a top‑up on your behalf, to think carefully before agreeing to one. You may want to get independent financial advice from:

• a solicitor
• Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444
• Help & Care on 0300 111 3303
• Age UK on 0800 678 1174

Funded nursing care

If you live in a nursing home, the cost of nursing care is paid directly to the home by NHS Dorset through a funded nursing care payment. This decision is made by trained and qualified nurses employed by NHS Dorset.

Personal expenses allowance

You will have a weekly amount set aside from your income to spend as you wish. This can be used for things like toiletries, stationery or small presents for friends and family. This amount is taken into account in your financial assessment and is reviewed each year.

If you cannot continue to pay

If you cannot continue to pay your assessed contribution, you must contact us immediately so we can explore ways to help you.