Deciding what rate to pay

The amount that can be paid under Community Costs, after considering all of the factors for deciding costs and client's individual circumstances, is the difference between:

• the client's income (excluding an amount equivalent to the personal allowance and any amount they are required to contribute to the cost of the treatment programme from their income) and
• the total of their ongoing essential costs in the community

Community Costs can be paid on a dollar for dollar basis up to the maximum weekly amount.

Important note the client (and their partner if any) should not receive any more in total financially (excluding an amount equivalent to the personal allowance) than they did prior to the client entering the treatment programme.

Remember to fully document your decision, including the factors you have taken into consideration in reaching your decision.

For more information see:

• Maximum weekly amount payable
• Period of payment of Community Costs
• Factors to consider when deciding costs
• Documenting your decision
• Calculating rate when partner in the community