Deferred payment agreements

A deferred payment agreement allows you to use the value of your home to pay for care in a residential or nursing care home or extra care housing.

The arrangement may help you if you:

• have capital and savings under £23,250, and you own a property, but you cannot afford to pay the full weekly care charge and
• you are either waiting to sell your home or do not want to sell your home, and most of your capital is tied up in your home

We usually consider applications for a deferred payment agreement if you have:

• recently moved into a residential or nursing care home, or you are planning to do so
• funded living in a care home so far, but your savings have fallen below £23,250, and you still own a property

We can also consider a short-term arrangement. For example, if your property is up for sale but you have not yet found a buyer, or you're waiting for the sale to complete.

The Moneyhelper Service provides more information about deferred payment agreements.

The video below covers information on debt responsibilities, direct payments and deferred payment. It briefly references accommodation (housing and support options).

Before you apply

We recommend that you speak to an independent financial adviser who specialises in long-term care costs planning. You can find advice from Moneyhelper on choosing a financial adviser.

If you wish to check that the care home you are living in or are moving to is suitable to meet your needs please Contact Customer First.

You must register your property with the Land Registry if you have not done so already.

You must have the mental capacity to understand and enter into the agreement. Otherwise, have a legally appointed person who can do this on your behalf, such as a power of attorney or Deputy.

How to apply

Contact the Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) team for more information or to request an application form:

• Email: dpa@suffolk.gov.uk
• Telephone: 0345 2660072 (option 1)

Complete the deferred payment agreement application form (Word, 26KB).

Post the application form to:

DPA Team
Financial Inclusion and Advice Service
Beacon House Landmark Business Park
White House Road
Ipswich
IP1 5PB

Contact us

Find out how to contact Customer First quickly and securely using live chat.

You can also find options to help yourself online, and phone us if needed.