What to expect from the financial assessment

The first step is to ask for a free care assessment from the social services department of your local authority.

Find your local council

What to expect from the financial assessment

Once your local authority has agreed your care needs, they’ll look into your finances to work out how much you should pay towards the cost. It could mean you’ll need to pay for none, part or all of your care, depending on your income, savings and property you own.

Only the finances of the person who needs care should be considered in the financial assessment.

Your savings, assets, and investments

One of the first questions you’ll be asked is whether you have more than £23,250 in capital assets. If the answer is yes, you’ll be considered a ‘self-funder’ and you’ll need to cover the full cost of your care.

The financial assessment will look at your income and assets, including:

  • Savings, including ISAs
  • Stocks and shares
  • Second homes or buy-to-let properties
  • Investments with a ‘cash-in’ value
  • Your property if you’re moving to a care home.

If you have savings below £23,250 Then you may be able to get help to pay for care from your local authority.

You can read more about your options on our ways to pay for care page.

FInd out more

Care Costs Calculator

Explore your eligibility for care funding by completing our Care Costs Calculator

 

 

Capital limits for local authority support in UK countries

‘Capital’ refers to the value of any savings or investments you have.

 

  England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland
Home Care Capital Limit £23,250 £24,000 N/A (Free when assessed as needing care by your local authority) N/A (Free when assessed as needing care by your local authority)
Care Home Capital Limit £23,250 £50,000 £32,750 £23,250

Care Concierge

If you would like some expert advice on finding a new care provider, resolving a dispute or exploring funding options then you might benefit from talking with our Care Concierge team.