Paying for social work care and support
We offer a range of care and support services in the community. You may be asked to pay towards the cost of your support, depending on your income and the type of support you receive. We carry out a financial assessment to work out what you can afford, and some services are free.
What we charge for
You may be asked to contribute towards:
- a self‑directed support (SDS) personal budget
- care at home
- supported living or housing support
- day care and day opportunities
- environmental services such as community alarm, frozen meals and lunch clubs
If you want to pay a social work invoice, please go to our online payments section and select 'council invoices'. Payments can be made by cash or card at any Pay Point facility or Post Office. Please present your invoice when making a payment.
What is free
Some services are always free:
- personal care for all adults who are assessed as needing it
- criminal justice social work
- information, advice and care assessment
- up to 42 days of new or additional home care after a hospital discharge (age 65 or over, subject to criteria)
Free personal care
Known as Frank's Law, all adults who are assessed as needing personal care receive it free of charge. This applies no matter your age or circumstances.
How the financial assessment works
A Financial Assessor will send you a form to complete. You will be asked for evidence of your income, benefits, savings and, if you wish, your household costs such as rent, mortgage interest, council tax and household insurance (building and/or contents).
We take most income into account, although some benefits and payments are partly or fully ignored. Your savings may also affect the amount you pay.
We compare your income with a minimum income threshold, set each year. You will not pay anything if your income is below this level. If it is above, you may pay up to 70 percent of the extra income.
If you need help
We can give you a full benefits check. If you cannot afford your assessed contribution, you can request a review.
If you want to discuss your assessment, ask for a review or make a complaint, please contact your local social work office on 0303 123 1008 or email swenquiries@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.