Local Authority Funding - Means Tested:
The process normally begins by contacting your local authority and explaining your situation. They will arrange a care needs assessment, which is free of charge. This assessment looks at the type and level of support required to help you or your loved one remain living safely and independently at home.
If care needs are identified, a financial assessment will then take place. This is sometimes called a means test and is used to review your financial situation, including savings, income, and assets.
Both assessments are free, allowing you to understand what support may be available without any upfront cost. Link below for NHS website reference:
Following this review, the council will confirm whether you qualify for funding support. Depending on your financial position, you may:
Receive full funding for your care:
Receive partial funding with a personal contribution required
Be required to fund your care privately in full
As a general guide, funding decisions are often based on capital thresholds:
Above £23,250
Care is usually
self-funded
£14,250 £23,250
Partial support may be provided
Below £14,250
Significant funding may be available
Direct Payments:
Direct Payments in home care are funds provided by your local authority (council) to help you arrange and pay for your own care and support, instead of the council organising services on your behalf.
If you’re eligible for social care support after an assessment, the council calculates a personal budget. With direct payments, this money is paid directly to you (or someone acting on your behalf), giving you control over how your care is arranged.
There are Direct Payment Support Services which are available to help manage these funds and associated admin for you. We work closely with some of these companies, so feel free to speak to us if you would like some direction on who to choose.