1. Who Pays for Care and Support?
- Care and support services in Bury are not free. Everyone is offered a financial assessment to determine if they can receive help with costs or must pay the full amount themselves.
- Some services have set fees (the same for everyone), while others are individually costed based on your care plan.
2. The Financial Assessment Process
- Needs Assessment: First, Bury Council assesses your care and support needs free of charge.
- Financial Assessment: If you need support, a financial assessment is offered. This can be done at home, by phone, or by post. You’ll be asked about your income, savings, property, and expenses.
Savings Threshold:
- If you have savings or investments of £23,250 or more, you will not receive financial help from the council and must pay the full cost of your care.
- The value of your main home is not counted if you receive care at home, but other properties are included.
- Contribution Calculation: After the assessment, you’ll be told how much you are expected to contribute. If your care package costs more than you can afford, the council may help cover the difference.
- Invoices: You will receive an invoice for your assessed contribution. If you receive a personal budget, the council pays the full amount into the required account and invoices you for your share.
3. Personal Budgets
A personal budget is the amount of money the council allocates to meet your assessed care needs. It gives you more choice and control over your support.
How It Works:
- After your assessment, the council calculates the cost of meeting your needs—this is your personal budget.
- You are told how much the council will contribute and how much you need to pay yourself.
Ways to Receive a Personal Budget:
- Council-managed: The council arranges and pays for your care.
- Direct Payment: The council pays the money to you (or someone you choose), and you arrange your own care.
- Third-party: A trusted person or organization manages the budget for you.
- Mixed Package: A combination of the above.
- Direct Payments: These are cash payments made to you so you can buy the care and support you need, offering flexibility and control.
4. Paying for Care at Home and in Residential Settings
- Care at Home: The council assesses your needs and calculates your personal budget. You pay your assessed contribution, and the council pays the rest (if you qualify for help).
- Residential Care: You pay for your stay, with a standard minimum charge (e.g., £139.35 per week for short stays in 2024/25)3. A financial assessment determines if you qualify for help with costs. If you have over £23,250 in savings, you pay the full amount.
5. Benefits and Additional Support
- Benefits Advice: During your assessment, you’ll receive advice about benefits you may be entitled to, such as Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit. The council can help you claim these.
- Bury Support Fund: For those facing financial hardship, the Bury Support Fund offers crisis and re-settlement payments to help with essential costs.
6. What If You Don’t Want to Disclose Your Finances?
- If you choose not to provide financial details, you will be required to pay the full cost of your care and support services.
Summary Table: Paying for Care in Bury
| Step | What Happens |
| Needs Assessment | Council assesses your care and support needs (free of charge) |
| Financial Assessment | Council reviews your income, savings, and property to determine contributions |
| Personal Budget | Council calculates the cost of your care package |
| Payment Options | Council-managed, direct payment, third-party, or mixed package |
| Invoices | You pay your assessed contribution; council pays the rest if eligible |
| Benefits Advice | Council helps you claim any benefits you’re entitled to |
| Support Fund | Crisis or re-settlement payments available for those in hardship |
Key Contacts and Resources
- Bury Council Adult Social Care: [Paying for Care – Bury Council] [Adult Care Charges Leaflet 2024/25].
- The Bury Directory: [Direct Payments] [Personal Budgets]
- Bury Support Fund: [HardshipHub – Bury Support Fund]
In summary: Care and support in Bury are paid for based on your financial circumstances, determined through a financial assessment. Personal budgets and direct payments offer flexibility and control, while benefits advice and hardship funds provide additional support for those who need it. Always seek a financial assessment to understand your options and entitlements.