WELCOME to York & District Citizens' Advice Bureau's monthly advice column.

Each month we will attempt to answer questions on different subjects.

This month it is a follow-on column from one published last March regarding care costs being paid by the NHS.

If you would like a copy of that column contact the bureau.

Here we given the answers to some of the questions which frequently arise regarding care costs.

QI have some savings and own my own home. Do I need to use them to pay for my care?

AThe first thing to establish is whether you need care because you are too ill to look after yourself. It's the job of the NHS to assess whether your "primary need is a health care need" as stated in the law. People who have been referred by a hospital to a nursing home have the best chance of qualifying for free care.

QI don't qualify for free NHS care. Can I ask for some of my care to be paid for?

AYes - there are three levels of NHS contribution, £40, £75 & £12, depending on how sick you are.

QI receive some financial help from the NHS, but the cost of care is reducing my savings very quickly. What can I do about this?

AIf your capital is below £19,500.00 you should be entitled to some assistance from the State. Those needing nursing home or residential care will be asked to claim benefits/pension credits they may be entitled to and these will be taken into account in a "'means test". If this applies to you, please seek further advice

QI own my home; will I have to sell it to pay for my care?

AThe value of your home will be disregarded for the first 12 weeks of permanent nursing home or residential care.

After that you have to sell it to pay for your care unless it is occupied by your partner, a relative aged over 60 or incapacitated, or a child under the age of 16 years. However, Social Services have the discretion to ignore property if it is occupied by someone who gave up their home to be a carer.

QMy husband's health has deteriorated while in care. What can be done?

AAsk for a new assessment of his condition, you should be given a copy of the report. If you are unhappy with how the decision was made you can appeal.

If you have a query about this, or any other subject, contact us at

3 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AU

phone us on 08701 264850

Fax us on 01904 620571

Email admin@yorkcab.org.uk.

You can get details of all our services on our website at www.yorkcab.org.uk.

If you wish to complain about care and NHS costs, etc, you can contact Ann Abraham, Health Services Ombudsman, OHSC, Millbank Tower, London, SW1P 4QP, telephone 0845 015 4033.

To take this action you must have already used all of the local complaint processes.

York & District CAB is a registered charity offering free impartial, independent and confidential advice.

Updated: 09:08 Thursday, February 19, 2004