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Money
Most people we speak to have no idea what they are entitled to. This page explains how it works in England, in plain English, with the current figures — whether or not you ever use us.
Anyone can ask, and it is free. It does not matter how much money you have — the assessment is about what help you need, not what you can pay. The council has to do one if it looks like you might need care. Do this first, even if you are fairly sure you will be paying for yourself.
A separate means test, looking at your income and your savings. It is only about the person needing care — a spouse or partner is not assessed, and their savings are not counted.
Then you choose a provider. If the council is funding you, you can usually ask for a direct payment and arrange the care yourself, which is how a lot of people end up choosing who actually comes to their door.
These are national figures set by government, not by us. They apply in England.
| Savings and capital | What it means |
|---|---|
| Over £23,250 | You pay the full cost of your care. You are still entitled to the free needs assessment, and you can still claim Attendance Allowance. |
| £14,250 – £23,250 | The council contributes, and you pay a share. They add £1 a week for every £250 of savings in this band to your assessed income — this is called tariff income. |
| Under £14,250 | Your savings are not counted at all. You may still contribute from your income, but never below the minimum income below. |
After paying for care at home, the council must leave you with a Minimum Income Guarantee of at least £241.45 a week if you are over Pension Credit age, or £120.40 a week if you are under it and 25 or over. This is a legal floor.
This is different from the care home figure you may have read about. Care at home and moving into a care home are assessed under different rules — including on your property, which is counted for a care home and not for care at home.
If you are over State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision, you can claim £76.70 a week (help during the day or supervision at night) or £114.60 a week (help day and night, or if you are nearing the end of life).
Your savings and income make no difference at all, and it is not taxed. You do not need a diagnosis, and you do not need someone to already be caring for you — the test is what help you need. Plenty of people who pay for their own care are entitled to this and never claim it.
If someone's need for care is primarily a health need rather than a social one, the NHS may fund all of it — including care at home, with no means test at all. It is assessed, not automatic, and it is refused far more often than it is granted. If the health needs are significant or changing, it is worth asking your GP or hospital discharge team to consider a checklist assessment.
You have your own right to a carer's assessment from the council, separately from the person you care for. You may also be able to claim Carer's Allowance. Both are commonly missed by families who have been managing on their own for years.
We are a care provider, not a funding service. We cannot decide what the council gives you and we do not assess you for benefits. What we can do is tell you honestly what your care would cost with us, so you have a real number to work with rather than a guess.
We do not publish a price list, because the honest answer depends on how many visits you need, how long they are and when they happen. Ring us and we will tell you.
If the council is funding you and you have a direct payment, you can usually choose us as your provider. Ask your social worker — you do not have to take whoever you are offered.
Every figure on this page is from GOV.UK or the NHS, checked on 25 August 2026. They are reviewed each April, when the rates usually change. Please check the source if you are making a decision that depends on the exact number.
This page is general information about how care funding works in England, not financial advice about your situation. Rates shown are for 2026/27 and are due for review in April 2027. For advice on your own circumstances, speak to your council's adult social care team, or to Age UK or Citizens Advice, all of which are free and independent of us.