Top ups

The council will only pay what is necessary for the level of care that you need.

You may choose to live somewhere more expensive if someone (usually a family member or another third party) can ‘top up’ the difference between what the council will pay and the actual cost.

This top up is paid from their own personal account. You can only pay a top up with your own money in the following circumstances:

• during a 12-week property disregard period, or
• when the council has agreed a top up as part of a deferred payment agreement, or
• when your care is arranged as after-care under section 117 of the Mental Health Act.

Top ups are a financial commitment. It’s important to consider that:

• anyone who wishes to pay a top up will have to sign an agreement with the council to pay the top up for as long as you need care.
• care home fees (and the top up) may increase during this time.
• there are consequences if the top up is discontinued. The council will continue to meet your needs, but we may have to consider moving you (subject to a risk and needs assessment) to a care home that does not require a top up.

Please see the council’s Your Circle website for more details.

Find out more about top ups