Supporting People and Fairer Charging

A brief overview of Fairer Charging, how to refer a service user to us and what your role as a provider is in the procedure.

What is Fairer Charging?

Fairer Charging is a means test to determine a service users ability to contribute to support charges. It was brought in to ensure no one is worse off as a result of Supporting People being introduced.

Who is Eligible?

• Fairer Charging is available to service users who are charged for their support. This applies to all long-term services (over 2 years in duration) these are generally Block Subsidy services.
   
• No charges apply to short-term services so Fairer Charging is not necessary.
   
• If a service user receives Housing Benefit (all or part) they automatically qualify for the full support subsidy from Supporting People.  NB. If you have any service users that are on Housing Benefit that are not in receipt of subsidy please include them on your next monthly returns on the “New Claims” sheet.
   
• If they do not receive Housing Benefit (all or part) they can apply for a Fairer Charging assessment, which will establish the individual’s ability to contribute to their support charge.
   
• Service users with savings of £21,500 or more will be charged the full support cost.  In exceptional circumstances this can be reconsidered.
   
• The financial assessment can lead to the service user receiving full support subsidy or paying a proportion of their support charge.  It may also be determined that the service user will have to pay the full support charge themselves.
   
• NEW FROM NOVEMBER 2007  Homeowners on Council Tax Rebate receiving a Supporting People service are now eligible for full Supporting People subsidy.  They will still need to apply for Fairer Charging but will be put into payment without the need for a Financial Assessment.
   

What happens?

The financial assessment is designed to make it as comfortable as possible for the service user.  They are normally carried out in the individual’s home, unless there is a request for a different venue.  The service user can have someone present at the assessment, such as an advocate, friend, relative or support worker.  They could also choose to nominate a representative who has access to their details to attend the assessment on their behalf.

The assessment is evidence based and will need to look at information on their income, savings and expenditure.  These include:

• Pension books
• Payslips
• Bank statements
• Housing costs
• Illness/disability related costs

Without this information a Fairer Charging assessment cannot be carried out.

How do service users apply?

A new form is now available from the Supporting People Team to make the referrals for Fairer Charging simpler.  The form is available to download here, or a hard copy can be sent out to you if requested.  Once completed, all referral forms should be sent by the provider to the Supporting People Team at the address on the form. 

The form should be filled in with the help of the service provider.  The service user (or their representative) should sign and date the application declaring they are willing to have a financial assessment.  No financial information will be needed from the service user at this point.

When should service users apply?

A referral for Fairer Charging should only be made on behalf of a service user once they have had a Housing Benefit claim rejected or you know they will not qualify for Housing Benefit.

If a service user’s Housing Benefit claim is unsuccessful but they later qualify for Fairer Charging, their payments will be backdated to the original Housing Benefit claim.  Evidence of this will need to be provided.

If it is assumed the service user will not qualify for Housing Benefit send the referral in as soon as possible, the start of the claim will be the date we receive it.

What else should we do?

• Ensure service user awareness of Manchester's Fairer Charging Policy.
   
• Identify if the service user should have a Fairer Charging Assessment.
   
• Complete and send in the Fairer Charging application to the Supporting People Team.
   
• Resolve any issues relating to arrears of non-SP eligible support costs.
   
• Inform Fairer Charging Team of any special requirements – e.g. translation/interpretation services; large print; advocate.
   

A useful flow chart is also available to download which summarises the Fairer Charging process from the point of application to payment.

Supporting People are currently offering providers training sessions on Fairer Charging, if you are interested in attending please visit the provider training section on our website for more details.

If you would like further information on Fairer Charging or how to fill in the form please contact James Stock at the Supporting People Team on 0161 234 4703.

Fairer Charging Application Form (xls)

Fairer Charging Process Flowchart (pdf)

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