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Paying for adult care and support

Once you have had a needs assessment and we have agreed that you are eligible for support, we will work out how much we think it will cost to buy the care you need.

Paying your care invoice

Pay by Direct Debit

If the charges are ongoing you can set up a direct debit. To set up a direct debit email Incomes@plymouth.gov.uk with your details.

Pay online

You will need your 11 digit invoice reference number found on your bill.

Pay by phone

Pay by phone using our 24-hour automated payment line:

0300 4560519

You will need your invoice reference number.

Internet, telephone banking and standing orders

Our bank details are:

  • Barclays Bank sort code: 20-30-54
  • Barclays Bank account number: 03178501
  • Account name: PCC - Debtors

If you are making a single payment use your 11 digit invoice reference as the payment reference. If you are setting up a standing order please quote your account reference.

If you need help setting up a payment email Incomes@plymouth.gov.uk.


About paying for your care

If you need to pay for your care and support we'll tell you:

  • how much we'll pay towards your care
  • how much you need to pay
  • how to pay for it

We can arrange your care and support for you, we will send you an invoice for the amount you have to pay. Or you can arrange the support you need and receive the money from us as a direct payment to pay towards the cost.

If you're moving into a care home, the financial assessment will consider your income, savings and the value of your property. If you can't pay all the costs, you might be able to use the value of your home to help pay your care costs by a deferred payment.

How much you pay

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay towards the cost of your care and support or pay for it in full. We will work out how much you will have to pay towards your care. We do this by doing a financial assessment. We will ask you about your savings, investments and income.

If you have more than £23,250 in savings and investments, you will have to pay the full cost of your care. We do not include the value of your home in the assessment unless you are moving into a care home.

We will contact you to request the evidence needed for a full financial assessment. When it has been completed you will be sent a letter with the calculation of your assessed contribution.   

You should get independent financial advice to help you decide how to pay long term care costs and make sure you are claiming all the benefits and allowances you are entitled to.

Appeal our decision

If you disagree with the financial assessment you can appeal. You can only appeal if the information used to assess your contribution is incorrect or if you have disability-related expenditure which is more than the 30% disregard of your disability benefit.

The letter sent to you which will advise you of your assessed contribution will contain details on how you can appeal.

Independent financial advice on paying for care

Get independent financial advice to help you decide how to pay long term care costs and make sure you're claiming all the benefits and allowances you are eligible for.

Most independent financial advisers charge a fee for advice - make sure you know how much you will be charged before you ask them to do any work for you.

Get financial advice on how to fund your long-term care from The Money Advice Service.

Finding a financial adviser

Make sure that any adviser you use is qualified. Find a local advisor using