Funding Your Care

When the Council Might Pay for Your Care

If your savings and assets are below £23,250, you may qualify for financial assistance from your local council to help pay for your care. This applies to both care at home and in care homes.


Assessment Process

Needs Assessment: You are entitled to a free needs assessment by your local council to evaluate the type and extent of care required.

Financial Assessment (Means Test): If care is deemed necessary, the council will assess your financial situation to determine whether you qualify for funding and what portion, if any, you’ll need to contribute. The Assessment will take into consideration,

  1. Earnings

  2. Pensions

  3. Benefits (including Attendance Allowance or PIP)

  4. Savings

  5. Property (including overseas property)

If you need a paid carer to come into your home, the value of your house won't be included in the financial assessment but it will be included if you are planning to move into a care home unless your spouse or partner is still living in the house.


Care at Home

For those who wish to remain at home rather than move to a care home, the council can fund and arrange services to meet your needs, including:

  • Personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing, and toileting.

  • Assistance with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and shopping.

  • Equipment or adaptations to your home, such as grab rails or stairlifts, to improve safety and accessibility.

Alternatively, you may receive direct payments, giving you the flexibility to hire your own carers or purchase services tailored to your needs while staying within the council’s allocated budget.

Care Home Choices

If you need care in a residential home, you have the right to choose a home that suits your needs, provided it fits within the council’s budget. If you opt for a more expensive care home, a relative or friend may pay the difference through a top-up fee.

Personal Budget

If eligible for funding, the council will allocate a personal budget, detailing their contribution. You can choose to:

  • Receive direct payments to arrange your own care.

  • Assign an organisation to manage your budget on your behalf.


If you’re unhappy with the council’s decisions or services, you can submit a formal complaint through their procedures. If the issue remains unresolved, it can be referred to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

For more detailed information on when the council might pay for care, visit the official NHS page: When the Council Might Pay for Your Care.

If you have savings exceeding £23,250 or own property (when moving into a care home), you're generally ineligible for local council financial assistance and will need to self-fund your care.

Arranging Self-Funded Care

Arrangements

  • Direct ArrangementYou can independently organise and finance your care services without council involvement.

  • Council-Assisted Arrangement: Some councils may arrange care services on your behalf and bill you accordingly; however, availability and potential fees for this service vary by council.


Needs Assessment

Regardless of your financial status, you're entitled to a free needs assessment from your local council to determine the type and extent of care required.

Financial Support

You may be eligible for non-means-tested benefits, such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which can help offset care expenses.

Options to Avoid Selling Your Home

  • Equity Release: Allows homeowners over 55 to access funds tied up in their property without selling, though interest costs can be substantial.

  • Renting Out Your Home: Generating rental income to contribute towards care home fees.

  • Deferred Payment Scheme: If your savings are below £23,250 and your wealth is primarily in your property, the council may cover care costs upfront, to be reimbursed upon the sale of your home or after your passing.

 

For more information see the following useful link:
NHS -Self Funded Care

 

Professional Financial Advice

It's advisable to consult with a specialist care fees adviser to explore all available options and make informed decisions regarding care funding