Funding Your Care
Understanding how to fund care can feel overwhelming. We are here to help you navigate the options available and find the right solution for your circumstances.
Funding Your Care
Understanding how to fund care can feel overwhelming. We are here to help you navigate the options available and find the right solution for your circumstances.
There are several ways to fund home care in the UK, and the right option for you will depend on your individual circumstances, including your health needs, financial situation, and personal preferences. Below, we outline the main funding routes and explain how to access them.
We strongly recommend seeking independent financial advice before making decisions about funding your care. Our team can point you in the right direction and help you understand the assessment process.
Your options
Funding Options Explained
Your local council can assess your care needs and carry out a financial assessment. If eligible, they may fund part or all of your care costs.
Eligibility Criteria
You have care and support needs that meet the national eligibility criteria
Your savings and capital are below the upper threshold (currently £23,250)
You are ordinarily resident in the council area
How to Apply
Contact your local council's adult social care team to request a needs assessment. This is free and available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
A package of care fully funded by the NHS for individuals assessed as having a primary health need. It is not means-tested.
Eligibility Criteria
You have a primary health need arising from a complex medical condition
Your needs are beyond what social care services would normally provide
A multidisciplinary team assessment confirms eligibility
How to Apply
Ask your GP, hospital ward, or social worker to refer you for a CHC checklist assessment. If you score positively, a full assessment by a multidisciplinary team will follow.
A non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability.
Eligibility Criteria
You are over State Pension age
You have a physical or mental disability requiring help or supervision
You have needed help for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill)
How to Apply
Apply directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) using form AA1, available online or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline.
A benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have difficulty with daily living activities or getting around due to a long-term health condition or disability.
Eligibility Criteria
You are aged 16 to State Pension age
You have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
Your condition affects your ability to carry out daily living activities or mobility
How to Apply
Call the PIP claims line to start your application. You will be sent a form to complete and may be invited for an assessment.
If you are eligible for council-funded care, you can choose to receive a direct payment instead. This gives you the freedom to arrange and manage your own care.
Eligibility Criteria
You have been assessed as eligible for local authority care and support
You are willing and able to manage the payment (with support if needed)
You consent to receiving a direct payment
How to Apply
Discuss direct payments with your social worker or care coordinator during your needs assessment. The council must offer this option if you are eligible.
A benefit for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with substantial care needs. It recognises the contribution of unpaid carers.
Eligibility Criteria
You care for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit
You spend at least 35 hours a week caring
You are not in full-time education and earn below the earnings threshold
How to Apply
Apply online through the GOV.UK website or by calling the Carer's Allowance Unit. You will need details of the person you care for and their disability benefit.
Self-funding
Paying for Your Own Care
If you do not qualify for council or NHS funding, or if you prefer the flexibility of arranging your own care, you will be a self-funder. This means you pay for your care directly, giving you complete control over the type and level of support you receive.
As a self-funder, you benefit from greater choice. You can select your care provider, determine the hours and type of care you receive, and make changes to your care package as your needs evolve.
We recommend speaking to a specialist care fees adviser who can help you plan your finances, explore all available benefits, and ensure you are not paying more than necessary. The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) can help you find a qualified adviser in your area.
Need help understanding your funding options?
Our team can guide you through the process and help you access the support you are entitled to.