Direct Payments Service User Contributions / Financial Assessment

MarkPWales

Hi folks,

Recently received a letter from the County Council here in Wales stating I will now need to pay £100 per week (£5,200/yr) for my care as I've reached the £24,000 threshold.

Find the whole policy disheartening as I'm 35 trying to save for my own place as the majority of the savings are in a Help to buy ISA (which I explained to the council).

It's almost as if that because I'm working full time I'm penalised for having similar goals to non disabled people my age. The irony is DP has enabled me to live independently and develop my career.

Should also note I've only been working 7 years so I think saving is important for the tail end of my life.

The council have started they've applied the policy fairly and within GOV guidelines but I always thought these financial policies would impact elderly people who have worked their whole lives having already purchased property and having capital.

I guess my question is while they may have applied everything correctly legally Can or should I challenge it morally?  

Thought welcome 

poppy123456

I don't think you have anything to challenge here. You have a large amount of savings so unfortunately, this means you have to pay more towards your care. It applies to everyone, not just elderly people. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/when-the-council-might-pay-for-your-care/

The savings threshold is increasing in 2025 to £100,000. 

Albus_Scope

Heya @MarkPWales and welcome to the community.:)

I can see you're already getting some support, but I wanted to pop in and say hi.  I've also moved your post to a different category, so more people in the know will be able to find it. I hope that's ok?

MarkPWales

Thanks @Albus_Scope interested in the people's thoughts on the topic I mean, am I right to be frustrated or is it one of those things where we have to just accept that this is how things work.

Just seems a counter productive that the message seems to have been disabled people should work but they can't work too hard. £24,000 is a drop in the ocean when we know about the extra cost of living with a disability and we're in a cost of living crisis.

Should also note paying the money doesn't bother me per say I guess it's more the principal that it makes getting a mortgage and finding an accessible property that much harder, because shock horror non disabled people realise bungalows are pretty useful so they get snapped up quickly.

Lizzieloo

Hi don't know if anyone can help I get dp and have a care plan will I still get dp if I work and I need my carer to help me work