TEC charges

There is a charge for the service but all equipment is paid for by Lancashire County Council. The council maintains ownership of all equipment.

From June 2024 the weekly charges are:

  • Level one - Monitoring service (£4.26 per week)
  • Level two - Responder service (£5.86 per week)
  • Level three - Premium service (£9.60 per week)

See how TEC works for more information about what is included in each level.

For all levels of the TEC service:

  • charges will be the same no matter how many pieces of equipment are installed
  • the falls lifting service is available to all TEC service users regardless of your chosen service level
  • TEC will be charged at a flat weekly rate per household (no extra charge if 2 people living at the same address are using TEC)
  • charges will remain the same no matter how often you trigger your alarm - we will contact you, if we feel that your use of the service is excessive and that the service is not meeting your needs
  • all equipment will remain the property of Lancashire County Council
  • any costs for maintenance, exchange and repair of equipment will be covered by the weekly charge
  • the county council have subsidised the service
  • charges will be reviewed annually

Payment

We will send you a monthly bill or if we already charge you for care services, we will add the TEC charges to your regular bill.

You can pay your invoice online, using a Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card. You can also pay by direct debit. Details of how to pay will be printed on the back of your invoice.

Direct payments

If you receive direct payments, you should not use your direct payment to purchase the TEC service. TEC is a universal non-means tested service.

Reablement service

A mobile device may be offered, free of charge and for up to six weeks, if you are using the reablement service or have been discharged from hospital and need help to regain daily living skills and confidence. This early exposure to TEC will help increase your confidence in the equipment and the service, whilst encouraging continued use.

Continuing Health Care (CHC)

If you're entitled to Continuing Health Care (CHC) the NHS will pay for your TEC service as part of an NHS Continuing Healthcare package, if you are eligible.

Section 117 free aftercare

If you're entitled to after-care services provided under Section 117 of the Mental Health Act, you will not pay for TEC.

Help with costs

If you have other care services

TEC is not a means tested service, so is not subject to a financial assessment. However, you can request that the cost is offset against your financial assessment, if you have other care services. This is known as a disability related expense and you can find more information in financial implications for non residential care.

Government benefits and support

You may be eligible for benefits or allowances that could be used to pay for the service. Please visit the Government's website to check the benefits and financial support you could get.