Understanding Your
Funding Options
Navigating care funding can feel overwhelming. We explain your options in plain language so you can focus on getting the right support in place, not worrying about the paperwork.
How care at Providence can be funded
There are several routes through which your care can be funded. Many people are eligible for some level of funded support without realising it. If you are unsure, speak to your social worker or contact us and we can help point you in the right direction.
Local Authority Funding
Most common route
If you have been assessed by your local authority as having eligible care needs, your council may fund part or all of your care. The amount you receive depends on the outcome of a needs assessment and a means test.
You can ask your local authority to carry out a needs assessment at any time. If you are already a carer, you can also ask for a carer's assessment in your own right. A social worker will then work with you to agree a care and support plan and the funding to go with it.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Fully NHS funded
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care arranged and fully funded by the NHS. It is available to adults whose primary need is health-related, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.
Eligibility is assessed using the NHS Decision Support Tool. If you believe you or someone you support may meet the threshold for CHC, you can ask your GP, consultant or community nurse to begin an assessment. We can support you in preparing for this process.
Direct Payments
You choose the provider
If you are eligible for local authority funding, you may be able to receive a direct payment instead of having the council arrange your care. This gives you much greater control over who provides your care and how.
Many people use direct payments to commission care from Providence. The council will work out how much funding you are eligible for, and you can then use that budget to purchase your care directly from us. We are happy to work with you to set this up.
Personal Health Budgets
NHS-funded flexibility
A personal health budget (PHB) is an amount of NHS money dedicated to your health and wellbeing needs. Like direct payments, it gives you more control over how your care is arranged.
PHBs are most commonly used for NHS Continuing Healthcare, but they are also available in some other circumstances. You can use a PHB to pay for care from Providence. Speak to your NHS care team about whether a PHB might be appropriate for you.
Self-Funding (Private Pay)
Pay directly
If you do not qualify for funded support, or if you prefer to arrange your own care privately, you are welcome to pay for our services directly. We offer the same high quality of care to all our service users, regardless of how they are funded.
We will give you a clear, written quotation before you commit to anything, with no hidden costs. Many people start as self-funders and then apply for local authority funding as their savings reduce. We can help you plan for this transition.
Questions we hear often
How do I find out if I am eligible for funded care?
Contact your local council and ask for a needs assessment. This is free and you are entitled to one. If you already have a social worker, you can ask them. Alternatively, contact us and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
What happens if my funding runs out?
We will always discuss funding with you openly. If your situation changes, we will work with you to explore your options. We do not withdraw care without proper notice and a transition plan in place.
Can I use a direct payment with Providence?
Yes. We work with many service users who fund their care through direct payments. We can help you understand the process and set up your package accordingly.
Do you charge top-up fees?
We do not add hidden fees. Our pricing is clear and all-inclusive. If there is anything not covered in a standard package, we will always discuss it with you first.
Can children have their care funded?
Yes. Local authorities have a duty to assess the needs of children in need and looked-after children. Placements for children are typically funded through the placing authority. We work directly with local authority children services teams.
What if I am not happy with my care package?
We have a clear complaints and feedback process. We also carry out regular reviews of all care packages. If something is not right, we want to know so we can fix it.
Still not sure? Just ask us.
Funding can be complicated. Our team is happy to help you understand your options without any obligation.