Third party top up payments

About third party top ups

If you’re getting a place in a care home through the council, you may have the option to choose one that costs more than we have allowed for.

The extra cost cannot be paid by you or us, but it can be paid by a friend or family member (also known as a third party).

This payment is called a third party top up. It gives you more options when you’re choosing your care home.

What it can pay for

When your social worker helps you choose a care home, they will give you a list of accommodation that meets your care needs. Some options will be more expensive than others.

You might want to use a third party top up to pay for more expensive accommodation that:

• is near family or friends
• has a room that is larger or has a nicer view
• is where you feel most comfortable

This could be for:

• a permanent or long term move to a care home
• a temporary stay in a care home after leaving hospital
• if you are temporarily in a more expensive care home while waiting for another one to become available, but you decide you want to stay where you are

The accommodation you choose must be approved by the council by meeting certain conditions.

How it works

First, you must have a needs assessment and a financial assessment to check that you qualify for a care home place through the council.

Next, your social worker will help you choose from one of the care homes that meets your needs.

Once you've chosen your care home and room

If the third party can no longer pay

If the third party cannot afford to pay your top up payments, they must let us and the care home know right away.

Your care needs will be reassessed and you may have to:

• move to another room in the care home
• move to another care home with fees that are within the council’s budget