As a resident of Devon County, you may be eligible for a deferred payment agreement through the Devon County Council. This agreement can help you fund your long-term care expenses now while allowing you to defer payment until a later date.
What is a Deferred Payment Agreement?
A deferred payment agreement (DPA) is a financial arrangement between a local authority and a person who owns their own home, and who needs to pay for their care home costs, whether in a residential facility or in their own home. Essentially, the council will provide a loan to cover the cost of care, which will be repaid when the home is sold, or the person dies. This allows people to receive the care they need without having to worry about selling their home or using their savings to pay for it.
Who is eligible for a Deferred Payment Agreement?
To be eligible for a DPA in Devon, you need to meet the following criteria:
– You own your own home (or share ownership with another person)
– You’re over the age of 18
– You need to move into a care home, or require care in your own home
– You have less than £23,250 in savings and investments (excluding the value of your home)
How does a Deferred Payment Agreement work?
When you apply for a DPA in Devon, the council will assess your income and savings to determine how much you will need to contribute towards your care costs. This amount will be deducted from your income, and the council will provide a loan to cover the remaining cost of your care.
As the loan is secured against your home, the council will charge interest on the loan. However, the interest rate will be fixed, and you will be provided with a written agreement that details the terms and conditions of the loan. Typically, the loan is repaid when the home is sold, but it can also be repaid using other assets, such as investments or savings.
Benefits of a Deferred Payment Agreement
There are several benefits of a DPA for those who need to fund their long-term care:
– You can delay selling your home to pay for care
– You can avoid having to use your savings to pay for care
– You can get the care you need without worrying about the cost
– You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure
Conclusion
A DPA from the Devon County Council can be an excellent way to fund your long-term care expenses while enjoying peace of mind and security. If you’re interested in learning more about a DPA, contact the Devon County Council to find out if you’re eligible.