A new online tool is now available to help people to find out how much money they may have to pay for their care.

It can be accessed via Cornwall Council’s website and allows people to input their financial information and find out how much they will pay towards their care.

Cabinet member for adults and public health Cllr Andy Virr said: “Understandably, people don’t often know how the social care system works until they or a family member suddenly needs some help.

“A lot of people don’t realise that social care is something that needs to be paid for. However, for some people there will be some financial assistance available. Understanding from the outset what financial support you might be entitled to can help a lot when you are navigating through the health and care system.

“This can also save people some time as if they know they are not entitled to financial assistance they can go ahead and arrange the support they need without waiting for the council to tell them.”

This video tutorial shows you how to use the tool

This tool allows people considering getting support to complete a simple online check to see if they are likely to be eligible for financial assistance towards their care.  This includes:

• care at home, including respite
• long term residential or nursing care
• short term residential or nursing care

A formal financial assessment will still be required if they do decide to apply for financial assistance.

The form can be found on Cornwall Council’s website, along with more information on what sort of help is available and an online form to request support from our social care teams.

For those who prefer not to use online services help can continue to be found by calling us on 0300 1234 131.