Financial Assessments

Responsible Officer- Julian Partridge
E mail - Julian.Partridge@devon.gov.uk
Date of Issue – 25th February 2005

Definition: “Financial assessment is the process of calculation of the contribution to be paid by a service user for the chargeable services of residential and non residential care.

Residential charges are calculated according to the Charging for Residential Accommodation Guidance (CRAG. This guidance can be accessed via the doh.gov.uk/scg/crag website.

Devon County Council's non residential charging policy is based on the Government’s “Fairer Charging policies for Home Care and other non-residential Social Services Guidance” (September 2003) The full guidance is available on the DoH website (as above) under Policy and Guidance.

The Devon County Council Fairer Charging guidance is available on the Social Services public pages.

Select devon.gov.uk , Social Services, Charges and Benefits, Fairer Charging policy.  Web link required

Service users will be provided with a:

   •    copy of a leaflet entitled Charges for our Services Ref 2.  

   •    copy of how their assessed contribution has been calculated

   •    summary of methods of payment of the assessed contribution.

   •    recalculation of their assessed contribution at least annually and where applicable upon a service user’s request.  

Forms Required

SS280    -    Financial Assessment for Residential Care

SS280(a)-    Financial Assessment for Non-Residential Services

SS468    -    Authority to obtain financial information from Banks, Building Societies, Solicitors etc.

SS469    -    Authority to obtain details of Benefits.

SS517    -    Details of National Savings Certificates

SS518    -    Liable Relative Financial Details

Action

Residential/Nursing Placement

1. If the plan is for residential care, establish if anyone else is dealing with the person’s financial affairs.
   Be aware of the roles and duties relating to Appointeeship, Power of Attorney, Court of Protection Receivership Orders.  (see Guidance on “What are distinctions between Appointeeship, Power of Attorney and Court of Protection Receivership Orders”)
2. Provide information about the financial assessment process. Give the service user or their representative a copy of the leaflet Charges for Our Services Ref 2.
3. If the service user has savings and/or capital assets in excess of the upper capital threshold (this will be advised each year by means of a Finance Circular) then advise him/her that the agreed cost of the service will apply.
4. If the service user has savings and/or capital assets of less than the upper capital threshold explain the financial assessment process and advise the service user that the assessment will be calculated by Client Finance Services and they will be advised by letter of their weekly contribution.  Note – the Locality team will also get a copy of any correspondence sent to the service user.  
5. Help the service user or their representative to complete a SS280 (Financial Assessment Form) and any other appropriate forms, if further verification of financial information is required (see “How Do I Undertake a Financial Assessment”).
6. Send the original copy of all completed form(s) to Client Finance Services at County Hall. And place a copy on the service user’s file.
7. If it appears that the service user may be eligible for additional benefits such as Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance (in the case of a person required to pay for the full cost of the service); help the service user complete a claim form.
8. If the service user receives a bill for their assessed contribution,  explain what  payment options are available.  

Non Residential Services

1. Establish if the non residential service is included in the non residential charging policy.check that the service user does not already have a current financial assessment by reference to CareFirst report DR157.
2. Follow steps 1-3 as outlined under Residential Placements.
3. If the service user has savings and/or capital assets of less than the upper capital threshold explain to the service user or their representative that a person from the Financial Assessment Benefit team (FAB) will contact them to arrange a visit to calculate the service user’s contribution and advise if he/she is in receipt of all the benefits to which they might be entitled. In most cases the service user will be advised at the time of the visit what their maximum weekly charge will be and what the actual weekly charge would be based on the current level of service.
   Make a referral to the DWP office from the service user’s home. For Exeter and East Devon telephone 01392 474755 / 474717
   (see guidance on Receivership)
4. If the service user is liable to make a contribution or is required to pay the full cost of the service he/she will receive a bill.  Explain what  options are available for the service user to be able to make a payment.