Local Authority Funding for Live-in care
Currently local authorities will help fund your live in care if you have less than £23,250 in savings. However, by October 2025 this will go up to £100,000 in your savings.
If your assets are below this number, then you should apply to ‘Adult Social services’ department at your local council asking for a ‘Needs assessment’. It is free to get one done, regardless of your income and savings. If you are a relative or a friend of the person requiring care then you can apply on their behalf. Care arranged by your local council is not usually free but they can contribute.
The assessment of needs will typically involve a home visit from a social care professional or an occupational therapist but may also be by telephone. They will ask you how you're managing everyday tasks like washing, dressing and cooking. They will likely console you GP and any other professionals involved in your health care. If the assessment shows that you're eligible for support then a care plan will be devised and the type of support that is needed.
The next step - your local authorities will arrange a ‘Financial Assessment’ to assess your financial needs and if you need help funding. Your local authorities will look at your income, savings and properly calculate how much you need to pay towards your care and if they can help. They will ask you about your assets - Earrings, pensions, benefits, savings, property.
Depending on the outcome of the assessment the council may:
- Pay for the full cost of your care
- Pay some of the cost and you pay the remainder
- You will pay for all your care
If the council contributes towards your live-in care, they will arrange a ‘personal budget’ for you. The budget will give you an amount of money to spend based on how much it will cost in your local area to arrange live-in care.
