Working out how to pay for care is one of the first worries for most families. This guide explains the main options in England in plain English. Many people use a mix of them.
Figures are for April 2026 to April 2027. Rules can change, so check the official links below or speak to an independent adviser before making big decisions. We’re a care provider, not financial advisers.
Ask your council for a needs assessment
Anyone who seems to need care and support can ask their local council for a needs assessment. It’s free, whatever your income or savings. The council looks at what help is needed day to day and whether you meet the national eligibility criteria.
Which council you contact depends on where the person needing care lives. For example, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Tipton are covered by Sandwell Council, Darlaston and Walsall by Walsall Council, and Bilston by the City of Wolverhampton Council. You can find and contact your council on GOV.UK.
Family members who look after someone can also ask the council for a carer’s assessment, to see what support is available for them.
The financial assessment (means test)
If the council agrees the person needs support, it will carry out a financial assessment to work out how much they should pay towards it. In England for 2026 to 2027:
- Savings and capital over £23,250: you will usually be expected to pay the full cost of your care yourself.
- Between £14,250 and £23,250: the council contributes, and you pay something from your capital and income.
- Under £14,250: your savings aren’t counted, though you may still pay something from your income.
For care in your own home, the value of the home you live in is not counted. The council must also leave you with a minimum amount of income each week to live on. For a single person over Pension Credit age, this is at least £241.45 a week. Some councils are more generous than these national minimums.
Direct payments: choosing your own provider
If the council funds some or all of your care, you can ask for it as a direct payment, money paid to you or a family member to arrange care yourself. This lets you choose who provides your care, including us.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care, or supervision to stay safe, because of an illness or disability. It isn’t means-tested, so savings and income don’t affect it, and you can spend it however you like, including on home care.
- Lower rate: £76.70 a week, for help during the day or the night.
- Higher rate: £114.60 a week, for help during the day and the night, or if someone is nearing the end of life.
People under State Pension age may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. Read about Attendance Allowance on GOV.UK.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
If someone’s needs are mainly health needs, for example because of a complex or rapidly deteriorating condition, the NHS may pay for all of their care, including care at home. This is called NHS Continuing Healthcare and it isn’t means-tested.
Eligibility starts with a checklist assessment, which you can ask a GP, district nurse, hospital team or social worker to carry out. Read about NHS Continuing Healthcare on the NHS website.
Paying for care yourself
Many people pay for some or all of their care privately. They might be over the savings limit, want more support than the council will fund, or simply want to start care quickly without waiting for an assessment. If you pay privately, you arrange care directly with us. We’ll explain our costs clearly before anything starts.
Where to get free, independent advice
- Age UK: paying for care
- GOV.UK benefits information
- Your local council’s adult social care team
If you’re not sure where to start, call us. We’re happy to talk through your situation and point you in the right direction, even if you decide not to use our services.