Definition
A ‘top up’ is an extra amount of money that must be paid if a person chooses to live in care home that costs more than their personal budget.
A top-up is usually paid by the person’s family or a friend, or in certain circumstances by the person. When the top up is paid by the person this is called a first party top up.
People can only make their own top up payment if they are subject to the 12-week property disregard, they have a deferred payment agreement, or their home is provided under Section 117 for mental health aftercare.