
Financial Advice
Financial advice: what help and support is available?
Understanding the financial side of care can feel overwhelming, but there is support available to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning ahead or need to arrange care quickly, knowing what funding options, benefits, and financial assistance you may be entitled to can make all the difference.
Who pays for care?
Care home fees vary depending on the level of support needed, location, and facilities offered. In England, care may be:
- Self-funded – If your savings and assets exceed the government threshold (£23,250 in England), you will usually need to pay for your own care.
- Partially or fully funded – If your savings are below this threshold, your local council may contribute towards the cost of care following a financial assessment.
Local authority funding
If you or your loved one needs care, the first step is to contact your local council for a care needs assessment. This assessment determines the level of support required. If eligible for funding, the council will conduct a financial means test to decide how much they will contribute.
Even if you don’t qualify for full funding, you may still be entitled to partial support or deferred payment schemes, where the council covers care costs upfront and recoups them later.