HELP is available for those who are paying towards their long-term care.

Gloucestershire County Council is encouraging people to tell them if their circumstances change early on to make sure they are getting the right benefits.

Around 6,800 people in the county currently pay towards the cost of their care, depending on their personal circumstances.

Every year the council’s Financial Assessment and Benefits Team helps residents whether it’s their first time getting care or an annual assessment, to check they are paying the right amount and to offer advice on how to manage payments.

A big part of this is making sure people are getting all the benefits they are entitled too by carrying out a free benefits check.

According to the local authority, many people do not realise they are eligible and about £1 million a year in benefits is claimed as a result of the team’s help.

Should someone fall behind with their care payments the team can also discuss options to pay back the debt whilst they continue to pay towards the cost of their care.

Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for older people said, “We want to make sure people in Gloucestershire paying towards the cost of their own care get all the right help, advice and benefits they are entitled to.”

For more information, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/payforcare which explains more about the care financial assessment.

You can also visit www.payingforcare.org which is a not-for-profit organisation to help people entirely fund their own care.