Care contributions help to ensure continued high-quality provision of Adult Social Care in Hounslow and can work for all types of individual packages.
Care contributions follow a financial assessment to ensure affordability. Adult Social Care is partially funded through care contributions and, unlike the NHS, is not free at the point of use.
A financial assessment calculates the contribution you need to make towards your care. Most adult social care services are chargeable, including homecare, residential and nursing homes, day services, and equipment. How much you pay will depend on your financial assessment.
This can be done formally with a social care professional at the same time as your Adult Social Care support request, or you can complete a financial assessment online.
How to pay
You can pay for your care via direct debit.
Direct Debit is now our standard method of accepting payments, and alternative payment methods will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Direct debit payments have been proven to be the safest, quickest and easiest way to pay. They also also reduce administrative work on our end and the risk of missed payments.
All payments are covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee. This means you will get a full and immediate refund from your bank if there is an error.
If you choose not to complete an assessment
You need a financial assessment in order to receive services from us.
If you choose not to have one, we may have to charge you for services in full. This would include any services that have already been delivered.
Where different rules apply
Different rules around funding apply if you need care and support either:
- because of a health condition
- if your needs are particularly high needing a significant level of support
In these cases, you will be assessed under the NHS Continuing Healthcare Framework or NHS-funded nursing care. If you're eligible, the NHS will fund your care in full.
You will also not be charged for services if you are receiving aftercare under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Getting help
If you're having difficulty understanding the financial assessment process, you may want to ask for an advocate to help you.
Our financial assessment team can advise on how the rules apply to your individual circumstances.
Contact the financial assessment team
The financial assessments service is being transferred from Liberata to be delivered directly by us, as a result, response times may be longer than usual.
Payment difficulties
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can discuss payment arrangements with you.
If you wish to come to the Hounslow House to see a member of the team to discuss your bill or payment arrangements, you will need to make an appointment.
Further information
For more information, please refer to our Charging Policy and Financial Assessment Policy, or email fas@hounslow.gov.uk.
