People in residential care to keep more of their money from today

Monday 10 Apr 2017 @ 13:25
Welsh Government

Changes come into force today [Monday 10th April] enabling people to keep more of their money when in residential care – fulfilling a key Welsh Government promise.

The Welsh Government’s five year plan, “Taking Wales Forward”, committed to more than doubling the capital limit used in charging for residential social care, from £24,000 to £50,000. From today, the limit will move to £30,000, as part of a phased increase to £50,000.

In addition, a full disregard of the War Disablement Pension (WDP) is being introduced in all local authority financial assessments for charging for social care. This is so that veterans are not required to use any part of these to pay for the care they need.

These moves are part of a wide range of measures being undertaken by the Welsh Government to improve social care in Wales, including investing an extra £55 million in the sector.

Minister for Social Services, Rebecca Evans, visited College Fields Nursing Home in Barry to meet residents and staff to highlight the changes taking place.

Rebecca Evans said:

“Older people who have worked hard and paid in all their lives deserve a fairer deal. That is why, over the course of this Assembly, we will double the amount of money that older people can keep when in care.

“I am pleased that from today people are able to keep £30,000 without this being used to pay for care, and this will rise to £50,000 in the coming years.”

Local authorities are responsible for funding a person’s care if their capital is less than £30,000, only charging a contribution based on a person’s available income.

Anybody who thinks they, or a family member, could benefit from the new arrangements, should contact their local authority.

The Minister added:

“This is a really exciting time for social care in Wales. We are starting to see the full impact of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act take effect, with people across Wales really being put at the heart of their care.

“This Government has prioritised social services as a sector of national strategic importance. In recognition of this, we have announced an extra £55 million for social services in 2017-18.”

WIREDGOV