Who can get Free Personal Care?
People aged 65 and over who have been assessed by the council as having personal care needs that require services to be put in place.
Who can get Free Nursing Care?
People of any age who have been assessed as having needs that require nursing care services to be put in place.
How do people get Free Personal and Nursing Care in their own home?
Eligibility for Free Personal Care is identified by an assessment of need. The assessment is carried out by a member of staff of the council social work service. Referrals to social work can be made by individuals on their own or by someone acting on their behalf. The assessment can also take place before or after discharge from hospital.
What care services will not be provided free of charge?
Help with housework, laundry, shopping or services outwith the home such as day care centres or lunch clubs may be chargeable. These services can be arranged by the council and are subject to a financial assessment. Support with preparing meals will be provided free but the cost of supplying food or pre-prepared meals is chargeable.
Can I still receive attendance allowance if I receive free personal care at home?
Yes. Eligibility for this benefit is not affected.
I currently live outside Scotland. Can I move to Scotland and receive Free Personal Care?
You will be able to receive Free Personal Care if you are considered by a Scottish local authority to be "ordinarily resident" within their area and are assessed as having personal and nursing care needs that require services to be put in place. Whether or not you are considered to be ordinarily resident will depend on the circumstances of your move.
How do I get Free Personal Care in a Care Home?
All care home residents receive personal care if needed. However if you are aged 65 and over, fully fund your care home costs and have been assessed as needing this care you will receive £159 per week towards your care. The payments will be paid by your local authority directly to your care home provider on your behalf.
How do I get Free Nursing Care in a Care Home?
All care home residents receive nursing care if needed. However some care homes do not provide nursing care and therefore you may have to consider moving to a nursing home. If you fully fund your care home or nursing home costs and you have been assessed as needing this care you will receive £72 per week towards your care. The payments will be paid by your local authority directly to your care home or nursing home provider on your behalf.
What are the current rates of Free Personal and Nursing Care payments?
With effect from 1 April 2011 personal care payments increased from £156 to £159 per week and nursing care payments from £71 to £72 per week.
Will I still be able to receive attendance allowance if I receive free personal care in a care home?
If you choose to receive free personal care payments, you will no longer be eligible for attendance allowance after 28 days. You must inform the Department for Work and Pensions of your change in circumstances on 08457 123 456.
Will I still be able to receive attendance allowance (over 65s) or disability living allowance (under 65s) if I receive free nursing care in a care home?
Your eligibility for benefits will not be affected if you receive free nursing care payments only. Further information on benefits is available from the Department for Work and Pensions: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/
What if I own my own home and have savings and pensions?
Free personal and nursing care is available to anyone who is eligible and has been assessed by the local authority as needing it, regardless of income, capital assets, or marital or civil partner status. If you live in a residential care home you will need to contribute towards your remaining accommodation costs.