Ask for a needs assessment.
Contact your local council’s adult social care team. It’s free, whatever your money.
Care, without the jargon
Paying for care
Who decides what care you need, who pays for it, and where to get free, impartial help.
Plain English, and nobody will try to sell you anything.
Worth knowing early.
Assessments are free. Anyone who seems to need care can ask their local council for a needs assessment.
Money is assessed separately. A means test decides how much the council pays and how much you pay.
The NHS pays for some. If your needs are mainly health needs, NHS continuing healthcare may cover the cost.
Choose who decides. A lasting power of attorney lets someone you trust act for you if you can’t.
How it usually works.
The rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but the shape is much the same.
- Step 1
Step 2Have a financial assessment.
The council looks at your income and savings to work out what you’ll pay towards your care.
Step 3Agree a care plan.
At home or in a care home, the plan sets out the help you’ll get and who pays for it.
Care questions.
Short answers to what families ask most.
Will I have to sell my home to pay for care?
Not always. Your home usually isn’t counted if you get care at home, or if a partner or certain relatives still live there. Councils can also offer a deferred payment agreement, so it needn’t be sold straight away.
How much can I have before I pay for my own care?
It depends on where you live, and the limits change. Your council, or MoneyHelper, can tell you the current figures.
What is NHS continuing healthcare?
Care arranged and paid for by the NHS, for people whose needs are mainly health needs. It isn’t means tested. Ask for an assessment if you think it applies.
Are there benefits that help?
Attendance Allowance helps people over State Pension age who need care, and isn’t means tested. Carers may be able to get Carer’s Allowance. Check on gov.uk.
Can I get help as a carer?
Yes. If you look after someone, you can ask the council for a carer’s assessment of your own.
Useful information
Free, impartial guidance
MoneyHelper explains how care is paid for where you live. See moneyhelper.org.uk.
Help and advice
Age UK has free guides and advice on care and benefits. See ageuk.org.uk.
Deciding for you
A lasting power of attorney lets someone you trust make decisions if you can’t. Read about power of attorney.
Still need support?
Ask a real person where to start with care, and we’ll point you to the right help.
Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm, Friday 9am–3pm
