Can I have someone with me when the financial assessment is carried out?
Yes, you can have anyone you wish to support you when the finance officer carries out the financial assessment. For instance, this may be your spouse, partner, or carer, a friend, or solicitor. You could also ask for support from any organisation, which offers to represent individuals. You will find details of organisations offering such advocacy in needs.
What financial details will I be asked for?
When the Finance Officer contacts you to make an appointment he/she will outline the information that will be required. All information that you give will be treated as strictly confidential, and all records of the conversation will be kept securely. You will be asked to provide evidence (e.g., pension books and bank statements) giving details of:
Your National Insurance (NI) number, which you can find on the front of your pension book.
Your weekly income (e.g., retirement pension, private pension, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, etc.)
Your capital (e.g., savings in a bank or building society, stocks, shares or premium bonds, etc.)
Any second properties that you own or jointly own (please note - the property in which you are normally resident is not taken into account)
Details of any relevant additional expenditure incurred due to your disability or illness
What will happen during the visit?
When the Finance Officer visits, he/she will need to have sight of all relevant documents relating to your income, capital and expenditure. At the time of the visit, the Finance Officer will record your financial details on a Financial Assessment Form. When the form is complete, you will be asked to sign it, and you will receive your own copy to keep.
What if I do not wish to provide this detailed financial information?
It is fully appreciated that some people may not wish to divulge details of their financial situation, and there is an option for you not to provide details. If this option is taken, you will be asked to pay the maximum charge towards the cost of your care, or the full cost of your service if this is lower.
Will the financial assessment always result in a charge?
No, in some cases once all income, savings and related expenditure are taken into account you may not have to pay a weekly contribution towards your care.
What do I do if I am unhappy with the calculation of my contribution?
Please refer in the first instance to the Finance Officer who has dealt with your charge. He/she will arrange to carry out a review of your assessment, which may involve another visit to you to discuss your assessment further. If you are unable to resolve the matter with the Finance Officer, more senior managers of the Adults and Housing department will undertake a further review.
How often will my assessment be reviewed?
You can request a review of your financial assessment at any time by contacting the Finance Officer who visited you. Annual reviews will take place as a matter of course, particularly when all standard benefit and pension rates increase. You will be contacted in advance of a review visit being carried out.
Are all non-residential social services chargeable?
No. Certain services that we are able to provide do not attract a charge. Your Case Co-ordinator or Social Worker will be able to advise you if the service being provided to you attracts a charge.
Other Links to Information about Financial Assessments:
