Self-funders

Thinking about moving into a care home?

If you're considering moving into a care home permanently, please speak to us first. The Hartlepool Support Hub offers free advice on a range of options that could help you stay at home for longer.

Contact the Hartlepool Support Hub:

Email: helping@hartlepool.gov.uk

Phone:01429 272905

What is a self-funder?

You are a self-funder if you pay the full cost of your care home fees without financial support from us. This gives you more choice and flexibility when choosing a care home.

You are likely to be a self-funder if:

• you have enough income to cover your care home fees
• you have savings, capital or assets above the capital limit of £23,250 (as of April 2024)
• you choose not to have a financial assessment by us

The capital limit is reviewed annually by the Department of Health and Social Care and published on GOV.UK.

As a self-funder, you will need to arrange your own contract with the care home. We recommend seeking independent advice to help you understand the terms of the contract.

Can I still get an assessment?

Yes. No matter your financial situation, you have the right to a care needs assessment. A social worker can help identify the level of care you need.

If you need nursing care, a registered nurse will assess this. The NHS would provide funding for this part of your care needs, even if you are a self-funder.

Getting independent financial advice

It’s a good idea to speak to a financial adviser before making decisions about paying for care. You can find helpful services on the Hartlepool Now website.

Here are some organisations that offer free or independent advice:

Money Advice Service

Phone: 0800 138 7777
Email: enquiries@moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Website: moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

Phone: 0344 4111 444
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk

Society of Later Life Advisers

Phone: 0333 2020 454
Email: admin@societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk
Website: societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

Which? Elderly Care

Phone: 0199 2822 800
Website: which.co.uk/elderly-care

Independent Age

Phone: 0800 319 6789 / 020 7605 4200
Email: charity@independentage.org
Website: independentage.org

Note: Independent financial advisers (IFAs) can also help, but you may need to pay for their services.

The cost of your service

As a self-funder, your care home arrangement is between you and the care home. We cannot be involved in this agreement.

Care home fees vary, so it’s important to ask the care home about:

• weekly costs
• whether fees are paid weekly or monthly
• whether payments are made in advance or arrears
• any additional costs
• how often fees may increase

As you will not be receiving support from us towards the cost of your care home you will be entitled to claim Attendance Allowance (high rate) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Daily Living Component as this can be used towards the cost of care. More information on benefits and support can be found on the Age UK website.

We strongly recommend getting independent financial and legal advice to help you plan for care now and in the future.

What if I’m running out of money?

If your savings and capital fall below £23,250, you may become eligible for financial support from us.

We recommend contacting us when your capital drops below £30,000. This gives time to:

• arrange a care needs assessment
• complete a financial assessment

If you own a property and your capital is below £23,250, the value of your home may still be considered in the financial assessment.

Please note: We will only pay up to the usual cost of care for your needs. If your current care home charges more, you or a family member may need to pay the difference (a top-up). If this isn’t possible, you may need to move to a more affordable care home.