Help with funding

Less than £23,250 in savings? You might get some or all of your care costs covered.

What are Direct Payments?

Direct Payments are made directly to you by the Council so that you can arrange your own Care and Support from a private provider of your choice. You will be able to manage this yourself or with the assistance of the Council or a nominated person of your choice with Direct Payments.

What steps do I need to take to get Direct Payments?

You may be eligible for Direct Payments if you are having difficulty with daily tasks such as washing, cooking or dressing. Your local council will need to assess your needs to see what would allow you to remain at home independently and what your current financial situation is.

These assessments can be overwhelming so we are more than happy to help with the Care & Support Assessment and with the Financial Assessment.

Will my home care be covered by the council?

If your local council determines that you are eligible for home care, they will conduct a means test. This will take into account your savings as well as your income. Unless you’re going into a nursing home, the value of your home will not be considered.

Here’s how the social care means test will review your savings and Income, and how that will impact how much you pay for care.

Your financial capital

How much you’ll have to pay…

More than £23,250

As a’self-funder,’ you must pay your own fees.

In the range of £14,250 to £23,250

You are eligible for financial assistance from the council and must contribute a portion of your income (such as pensions) as well as a ‘tariff income’ based on your capital.

This ‘tariff income’ is calculated by assuming you earn an extra £1 per week for every £250 (or part of £250) in capital you have between £14,250 and £23,250.

£14,250 or less

The council will provide financial assistance, and you will continue to contribute from your earnings, but you will not be required to pay a tariff income.

Some types of income, such as money from disability benefits and pensions, may be excluded from the means test. This holds true for certain types of capital as well. All other sources of income and capital can be considered.

If you’re single and over the Pension Credit qualifying age, you must have an income of £189.00 per week after all of your eligible income is taken into account in your means test.