Paying for your care

How do I pay for my care?

Once you have confirmed your support plan with your social worker, your support has started and, following a financial assessment, you are aware of the amount you have to pay, you will need to pay the required amount monthly. You can do this by:

  • Pay by direct debit (Ealing Council's preferred method of payment):
    Direct debit is a simple, safe and convenient way to pay your monthly care fees automatically from your bank account. To set up a direct debit please call 020 8825 9499 or email: adultsfinance@ealing.gov.uk
  • Pay online:
    To pay by debit or credit card online please visit www.ealing.gov.uk/pay
  • Pay at a bank:
    Pay at the Ealing Lloyds branch, without charge. Alternatively, you can pay at any other bank using the bank giro slip at the bottom of your invoice/reminder notice. You may be charged for paying at banks other than Ealing Lloyds.
  • Pay by home telephone or online banking:  
    For standing orders, internet or telephone banking please use sort code 30-00-00, account no. 02390132 and your 8 digit invoice number as the reference number.
  • Pay by ATP (Automated Telephone Payment):
    To pay by credit or debit card over the phone please call 0208 825 9940 or 0845 301 0208. (Select option 4)
  • Pay by post or by hand:  
    Please make cheques and/or postal orders payable to 'Ealing Council' and send with the payment slip at the bottom of the invoice/reminder. Please write the account number, invoice number(s) and the full name of the person receiving care on the back of the cheque/postal order. Payments should be sent to: Adults finance cheques, Banking services, 5th Floor, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2HL.

Top up agreement

Although the council will make sure that you have a sufficient personal budget to meet your needs, you may wish to voluntarily top this up following your support planning discussion.

You, or your family can decide to ‘top up’ your personal budget to purchase additional support or services, for example to use an alternative provider or service.

Any ‘top ups’ should be discussed with your social worker to make sure that you are receiving the correct support and are paying the right amount.

The third party top-up payments guide provides more details about these arrangements and what they can be used for.

Deferred payment

Should you be assessed as having to pay the full cost towards your residential care, but are not able to pay the full weekly charge, you can pay via a deferred payment.

For many people their savings or capital is tied up in their home; by setting up a deferred payment the council offers you a loan, paying the ‘deferred’ amount until the value of your home is released and you are able to repay the loan. A contract will be drawn between us and a legal charge will be placed on your property.

We are only able to advise on our own deferred payment arrangements. You may find that there are other more suitable funding products available to you. You should seek independent financial advice from a qualified source when considering a deferred payment agreement

More information can be found in the deferred payment policy.