How can you pay for your care

Care funding can be complex, and with so many different types of support available it can be hard to know where to begin.

Paying for your own care (self-funding)

You will not be entitled to help with the cost of care from your local council if:

  • you have savings worth more than £23,250
  • you own your own property (this only applies if you’re moving into a care home)

You can ask your council for a financial assessment (means test) to check if you qualify for any help with costs.

How to prepare for a financial assessment (Means test)

Make sure you have all the information you’ll need.

This includes details about:

  • savings in a bank accounts, building societies, ISAs or premium bonds
  • stocks and shares you own
  • property or land you own

Make a list of any disability-related expenses you have so you remember everything when you’re asked about it.

Will I have to sell my home to pay for care?

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 if you’re paying for a care home, the value of your house will be included unless your spouse or partner is still living in it.

Getting the results

The council will write to you about how much your care will cost and the amount you have to pay.

If you qualify for council help with costs, you’ll be offered a personal budget

You can choose to get your personal budget in 2 ways, as:

  • a direct payment into your bank account each month
  • the council organises your care and you’ll get a regular bill to pay towards it

If you don’t qualify for council help with costs, you’ll be expected to pay the full cost of your care. Read more about paying for your own care.

The council must regularly reassess your finances, usually once a year.

If you have any questions about how your financial assessment has been worked out, ask the council to explain it to you.

YOUR CAPITAL
If you have funds over £23,250You have to pay your fee’s as a self funder.
If you have funds between £14,250 and £23,250You qualify for financial support from the council and pay a contribution from your income – such as pensions – plus a ‘tariff income’ based on your capital.
If you have funds less than £14,250The council provides financial support and you will still contribute from your income, but you won’t have to pay a tariff income.