When paying for your social care, your payment often depends on whether you reside in a care home or receive support in the community.
You will always receive a statement which shows how much is due. We will never call to ask for your bank details. If you receive such a request, do not provide any information and contact us immediately.
Charging will commence on the start date of your care and support services:
- if you receive community care we will be the same as the start date of the Care and Support Services. We will collect charges on a four-weekly basis, unless you have opted for Direct Payments.
- if you are in a care home, we may pay the home in full and invoice you for your share, or you might pay the home directly. Please check with your home to confirm the arrangements.
Paying by Direct Debit
Direct Debit is the preferred method for regular, automatic payments. You can download and complete a Direct Debit Mandate and should return it to us via email or by post using the details included on the form.
You can pay by direct debit if you are in receipt of the following services:
- non-residential care services(excluding Direct Payments)
- residential care where you pay your fees directly to us rather than to the care home
If you are unsure about your circumstances or if you can pay by direct debit, please contact us.
Paying online
The quickest and easiest way to pay is online.
Please quote your invoice number when making your payment. Using the correct invoice number ensures your payment is allocated without delay.
Paying by BACS or Bank transfer payment
If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, please use the details below:
- Business Account Name: Lincolnshire County Council
- Sort Code: 20-50-39
- Account Number: 63509095
- Bank: Barclays Bank PLC
Please quote your invoice number and Customer ID as the payment reference.
This helps us allocate your payment quickly and accurately.
Paying by Telephone
You can make a payment by calling 01522 555 555 and selecting Option 2.
You will be directed to an operator who will take information from you, and then transfer to you automated payment line. Where you will be required to enter your card details using your telephone keypad.
Lines are open:
- Monday to Thursday - 9am to 5pm
- Friday – 9am to 4:45pm
- Closed on bank holidays
Please have your invoice number and credit or debit card ready when you call.
Paying by instalments
If you cannot pay your charges in full, you may ask to pay by instalments. Payment plans are only agreed where there is financial hardship.
- if you have savings, these are expected to be used to reduce the debt.
- most payment plans are short‑term, up to 3 months.
- longer plans may be considered in exceptional cases.
If a longer plan is requested, we will ask for details of your:
- income
- household bills
- priority and disability‑related expenses
Payment plans apply solely to the debt existing when the agreement is made and do not include any future invoices. While the agreement lasts, you are required to pay both the instalments and your regular weekly contribution.
If you are struggling to pay, please contact us as soon as possible.
Non-payment of care fees and debt recovery
We approach the recovery of debt for unpaid care fees, reasonably and sensitively. We'll only take Court action as a last resort. In all cases the desired outcome is to prevent debt escalating, and for you to make affordable repayments of the debt. As well as being able to pay your ongoing contribution.
- we will discuss the debt with you (or your representative) and may involve social care practitioners to support the process.
- if assets were transferred to someone else to avoid care costs, we may seek payment from the person who received them.
- giving regard to the level of debt, the cost of recovery (not proceeding where the cost of action would be disproportionate)
- only proceeding with County Court action where all alternatives have been exhausted.
Avoiding Further Action
To prevent formal recovery steps, please ensure you:
- pay the full amount identified in your Financial Assessment.
- disclose all relevant financial information accurately.
- contact us immediately if your circumstances change and you can no longer afford your payments.