Find your funding path
This tool gives a likely scenario based on your answers. Final decisions depend on formal assessments.
Key Funding Routes at a Glance
Local Authority Funding
Your council assesses your needs and finances. If eligible, you get a personal budget to arrange support.
Charging guidance (GOV.UK) →Self-funding (Private)
If you pay for your own care, we provide clear prices and flexible packages. We can also help you prepare for future assessments.
Ask for a transparent quote →Direct Payments
If you qualify for council support, you can receive Direct Payments to manage your own care, giving you more choice and control.
We can help you set this up →NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If needs are primarily health-related, the NHS may fund your full care package at home or in a care home.
Learn about CHC (NHS) →Detailed Funding Information
1. What is Social Care?
Social care is the term for practical help and support for daily living, necessary because of age, illness, or disability. This is different from healthcare provided by the NHS. It can include help with washing and dressing, preparing meals, getting around, or support at home. It also covers residential and nursing care homes.
2. The Legal Framework: The Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 is the main law governing adult social care in England. It places a duty on local councils to carry out needs assessments for anyone who might need care, determine their eligibility for support, and conduct a financial assessment to see who should pay for it.
3. Eligibility: The Two Assessments
A. The Needs Assessment
This is the first step and is always free. You ask your local council's Adult Social Services for an assessment. They will talk to you about your life, what you can do, and what you need help with to live safely and maintain your wellbeing. The outcome determines if you have "eligible needs" that the council has a duty to meet.
B. The Financial (Means) Assessment
If you have eligible needs, the council will then assess your ability to pay. This looks at your capital (like savings and assets) and your income (like pensions and benefits). The rules differ depending on whether you need care at home or are moving into a care home permanently.
4. Key Financial Thresholds (2025-26)
Upper Capital Limit (UCL): £23,250
If your capital is above this limit, you will be expected to pay for the full cost of your care yourself. You are known as a "self-funder".
Lower Capital Limit (LCL): £14,250
If your capital is below this limit, the council will not include it when working out what you can pay. You will only be asked to contribute from your income.
Between the Limits
If your capital is between £14,250 and £23,250, you will contribute what you can from your income, plus a "tariff income" from your capital. This is calculated as £1 per week for every £250 (or part of £250) of capital you have above the lower limit.
5. Example Scenarios
Case A: Doris has £30,000 in savings.
Her capital is above the £23,250 Upper Capital Limit. She will need to self-fund her residential care until her savings fall below this threshold, at which point she can be reassessed.
Case B: Raj has £20,000 in savings.
His capital is between the limits. He will contribute from his regular income, plus a tariff income from his capital. The council will pay for the rest of his eligible care costs.
Case C: Linda has £10,000 in savings.
Her capital is below the £14,250 Lower Capital Limit. It will not be included in the calculation. She will only contribute what she can afford from her income, after her essential living costs are covered.
6. Important Things to Remember
- Your Home's Value: The value of your home is usually disregarded if you receive care at home. It is also disregarded for the first 12 weeks of permanent residential care, or indefinitely if your partner or certain other relatives still live there.
- Free Support: Some things are not means-tested. This includes short-term reablement after a hospital stay and minor equipment or home adaptations (usually under £1,000).
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): If your primary need is a health need, you may be eligible for CHC, which is fully funded by the NHS and is not means-tested.
- Request an Assessment: Even if you think you will have to pay for your own care, it is always a good idea to get a needs assessment from the council. It helps you understand your needs and gives you access to information and advice.
Ready to talk?
Our friendly advisors are here to help you understand your options in a confidential,
no-obligation chat.