Types of funding

Funding your own care

How you pay for your care depends on a number of factors, including how much capital you have, and the type of care you need.

Many people pay for their care, or contribute to the cost of their care, dependent on their income and savings which can differ depending on whether you live in England, Scotland or Wales.

However, in many circumstances, the local authority may contribute to all or some of your care, depending on your financial position or whether you need more specialist care and support.

In England, you will pay for your own care if you have savings or assets worth above the upper capital limit (UCL) of £23,250. If you have assets of above £14,250, you will need to contribute to some of your care home costs.

In Scotland, you will pay for your own care if you have savings or assets worth £35,000 or above, and may still need to contribute to the cost of your care if you have capital above £21,500.

In Wales, you will pay for your own care if you have savings or assets worth more than £50,000.

Funding support from your local authority

If the total amount of your capital falls below the thresholds set out by the Government in your country (as listed above), and you are assessed by your local authority as needing a care home, then your local authority will cover the cost of your care.

England and Wales

Your relative will receive funding support from the local authority to pay for their care if their capital falls below the Upper Capital Limit, which is £23,250 in England or £50,000 in Wales.

They may also be eligible for additional financial support to cover the cost of their care, dependent on their care needs assessment. This may include:

Funded Nursing Care: People who require nursing care will have an increased weekly care fee to cover their additional nursing care needs. However, the NHS will pay for some of this additional cost where residents are eligible for Funded Nursing Care (FNC).

Continuing Healthcare: Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free health and social care, which is arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC).

Scotland

In Scotland, people will need to pay for their own care if they have savings or assets worth £35,000 or above. However, if a person aged over 65 is assessed as needing personal care in a care home setting, they will qualify for free personal care paid for by their local authority no matter their condition, capital or income.

Free Personal and Nursing Care (FPNC) is also available to people who are assessed as requiring nursing care services, regardless of age, without charge. This can include support with: personal hygiene, mealtimes, immobility problems, medication and general wellbeing.

Please note: we do not offer financial advice, but provide guidance and information from specialist services and governing bodies.