Charging Tips

Did you know your local authority should not include disability-related expenses when calculating your care charges? 💡

If you receive care and support services, the amount you pay is usually based on a financial assessment. However, money you spend specifically because of your disability should be disregarded in that calculation.

These are known as disability-related expenses (DRE) — and they can make a real difference.

What counts as disability-related expenses?

Examples may include:

• Specialist or adaptive clothing

• Extra heating or higher energy use

• Increased laundry costs

• Special dietary needs

• Therapies not provided by the NHS

• Additional transport costs

• Garden maintenance if you're unable to manage it yourself

These everyday costs can add up quickly. If they are directly related to your disability, your local authority should take them into account and reduce your assessed contribution accordingly.