Funding and Costs
Funding for Home Care
If you or a loved one needs help with home care costs, the first step is to contact your local council's Adult Social Care department. They will arrange a care needs assessment to evaluate what support is required and explain the funding options available.
You can usually start this process by:
- Visiting your local council’s website and searching for “adult social care” or “care needs assessment.”
- Calling the council’s social services or care and support team.
- Asking your GP, hospital social worker, or community nurse for advice and referrals.
If the assessment concludes that you have eligible care needs, a financial assessment (means test) will determine whether you qualify for local authority funding.
You can also contact national organisations like Age UK, Carers UK, or Independent Age for free advice on funding and benefits.
1. Local Authority Funding (Social Care Funding)
Local councils provide funding for home care based on a care needs assessment and a means test.
• Needs Assessment: Evaluates your care needs and whether they meet the eligibility criteria under the Care Act 2014.
• Financial Assessment: Reviews income, savings, and assets. The thresholds in England (2025) are:
o Over £23,250: You are expected to self-fund your care.
o Between £14,250 and £23,250: You will contribute part of the cost.
o Under £14,250: Only income is considered; savings are ignored.
⚠️ Note: These thresholds apply in England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different systems and limits.
• If you qualify, the council may arrange care for you or provide direct payments so you can choose your own care provider.
🔗 More info:
2. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care arranged and fully funded by the NHS for individuals with primary health needs.
• CHC can cover care in your own home, including nursing, personal care, and specialist equipment.
• Eligibility is based on a Decision Support Tool (DST) used by an Integrated Care Board (ICB), which replaced CCGs.
✅ Key points:
• Not means-tested.
• Based entirely on your health needs, not your finances.
• Often assessed when someone leaves hospital or experiences significant health deterioration.
3. Attendance Allowance (AA)
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help due to a disability or illness.
• Lower rate (£72.65/week): For help during the day or night.
• Higher rate (£108.55/week): For help during both or if terminally ill.
⚠️ 2025 rates updated.
You can use AA to help pay for care, but it does not directly fund services.
🔗 Gov.uk - Attendance Allowance
4. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
It includes two components:
• Daily Living: For tasks like preparing food, washing, and managing treatment.
• Mobility: For moving around or planning a journey.
Each is paid at either a standard or enhanced rate based on the level of need.
✅ PIP is not means-tested, and you can use it toward care costs.
🔗 Gov.uk - Personal Independence Payment
5. Carer’s Allowance and Related Benefits
If you provide regular, unpaid care, you might qualify for:
• Carer’s Allowance (£81.90/week in 2025): For caring 35+ hours/week for someone on a qualifying disability benefit.
• Other support: Carer’s Credit (for pension), council tax discounts, or access to support groups.
⚠️ You must earn less than £151/week (2025 limit) after deductions to qualify.
6. Self-Funding (Private Funding)
If you have savings above the threshold or are ineligible for NHS or council help:
• You will need to arrange and pay for care yourself.
• You can still request a care needs assessment for advice and guidance.
• Some people use equity release, pensions, or income to pay for care.
CQC - Choosing a care provider
7. Other Support and Grants
Charities, foundations, and local councils may offer:
• Condition-specific grants (e.g. Parkinson’s UK, MS Society)
• Local welfare assistance schemes
• Hardship funds, equipment loans, or respite breaks
Always check local authority websites and national charity pages.
🔗 Examples:
Summary Table
| Funding Type | Eligibility | Who Pays | Means-Tested? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Authority Funding | Assessed care needs + financial eligibility | Local council | ✅ Yes |
| NHS Continuing Healthcare | Complex primary health needs | NHS | ❌ No |
| Attendance Allowance | Over State Pension age, personal care needs | Government (DWP) | ❌ No |
| Personal Independence Payment | Long-term disability before pension age | Government (DWP) | ❌ No |
| Carer’s Allowance | Unpaid carer, 35+ hours/week | Government (DWP) | ✅ Yes (earnings test) |
| Private Funding | Anyone not eligible for funded care | Individual/family | ❌ No |
| Grants/Charities | Depends on group or illness | Charities/Councils | Varies |
Would you like this prepared as a downloadable PDF or web page version? I can also adapt it for Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland if needed.
Contact us on: 01483 721515
Email us at: info@districthomecare.co.uk
