Question 1

At what savings level do I have to pay for my own care?

Accepted Answer

In England, if your total capital is above £23,250 you usually pay for your care in full. Between £14,250 and £23,250 the council helps on a sliding scale and you contribute a small amount from your savings (about £1 per week for every £250 above the lower limit). Below £14,250 your savings are no longer counted, although most of your income still goes towards the fees. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use different thresholds.

Question 2

Do I have to sell my home to pay for care?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Your home is not counted while your husband, wife, partner or a dependent relative still lives there. When it is counted, you can ask the council for a Deferred Payment Agreement so they pay the fees for now and recover the money later from your estate, which means you do not have to sell in a hurry. There is also a 12 week property disregard when you first move into a care home permanently.

Question 3

Will the NHS pay for my care?

Accepted Answer

It can. If your needs are mainly health related you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost with no means test. If you are in a nursing home and need care from a registered nurse, the NHS pays a weekly Funded Nursing Care contribution towards your fees. Our CHC checker and FNC calculator can help you see where you stand.

Question 4

What benefits can help with care costs?

Accepted Answer

Attendance Allowance helps people over State Pension age who need help with personal care, and it is not means tested. Younger adults may claim Personal Independence Payment instead. If you need to adapt your home, a Disabled Facilities Grant can pay for changes such as ramps, stairlifts and level access showers.

Question 5

Is the £86,000 care cost cap in place?

Accepted Answer

No. A lifetime cap on the amount anyone pays towards their personal care was planned but has since been postponed and is not currently in force. Until any cap is introduced, the means test thresholds above still apply. Our guide explains the background.

Question 6

How much does care cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary widely by region and the level of care needed. As a broad guide, residential care often runs from around £800 to £1,200 a week and nursing care higher, while home care is usually charged by the hour. Always confirm current fees with the provider, and use our Funding Calculator to estimate what support you may receive.

Paying for care, explained