Care and Support Plan

Following your needs being assessed if you are eligible the Care and Support Plan is the next process.

A Care and Support Plan is at the heart of how we help you plan services to meet your needs.

At the start of your care and support planning we will tell you an estimate of how much money you may receive for your personal budget. This amount will be finalised by the end of the care and support planning process.

You can use a personal budget in a variety of ways, as long as it is directly related to meeting your 'eligible needs' for social care support. These needs will be outlined in your care and support plan.

This plan should put you in control of your care. It should also document the support you need to enhance your wellbeing and improve your connections to family, friends and the community. There is also a version for carers, called a Support Plan.

You will be involved and be able to have your say at every point of the planning process. We can also support you, if needed, to take joint ownership of how the plan is developed.

Our aim is to make sure you are happy with the plan before we officially agree to it. A key part of the plan will be your Personal Budget. This will give you clear information regarding the rest of your care and support and how we can help.

If you qualify for care and support you may be allocated a Personal Budget. A Personal Budget is the amount of money we think you need to meet your needs. We will always tell you on your Care and Support plan how much your personal budget is.

Receiving a Personal Budget means you can decide what support you need to help you live a fulfilling life.

If you are eligible to receive a personal budget it can be arranged in three ways:

1. via a managed arrangements where the council manages your personal budget on your behalf

2. via a Direct Payments

3. A combination of 1 & 2 above.

If you are assessed as being able to afford to pay a contribution towards the cost of your care, or receive direct payments, budgeting is important to make sure you meet your care and support payments.

If you choose to organise your own care via direct payments you do not need to pay your contribution to the council; it will be deducted from the payment made to you. Find further information on  and .

If you would like further information please contact Health and wellbeing.

Find out about getting independent financial advice.